The Elephant Vanishes : obvert (J) vs Historiker_SqzMyLemon_Canoerebel (A)

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Good for you that he's bombing from 18K feet. As far as I know, there's no reason to ever rise above 8 or 9K except for the most heavily defended bases. IJ AA just doesn't reach that high. Aren't all but one gun (the 12cm) limited to 7K ceiling or less?

It is good he's at 18k, but I can see why. There are several big IJN base forces here with 8cm and 12cm DP guns, some radar equipped Army units with 75mm, and some various types of DP guns from 8cm to 12.7cm. [:)]

Here is a list of the common AA/DP devices for Japan. It looks like all of them are good to well above 20k.

I think he's flying up there to stay away from the low CAP, but that is just a hunch. It has been harder to hit them up there, but ... harder to damage the fields, too. I got some this last turn though for sure.

[witpqs]

One thing I don't have a handle on is the curve of accuracy versus ceiling. I mean that a ceiling of 27,000 ft does not necessarily mean full accuracy to that altitude - does it?

[obvert]

The DP guns are nasty, plentiful and also radar equipped units.

I find these really good deterrents to low raids.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

One thing I don't have a handle on is the curve of accuracy versus ceiling. I mean that a ceiling of 27,000 ft does not necessarily mean full accuracy to that altitude - does it?

I would think there is some kind of scaled accuracy, but maybe that is a factor of accuracy + range?

Range is low (4k yards) for certain guns like the 75mm/40 T88 that is the main IJA AA gun for most of the war (with accuracy also not too special at 33 and penetration at only 28). For the 12cm gun that replaces it in some special units, the range jumps to 22 k yards and the accuracy to 44 with penetration of 45. Maybe this means that they get more rounds off during combat, increasing the outcome of accuracy, penetration and effect.

Either way, Japanese players know exactly which IJA AA units upgrade to the 12cm, as it's one of the most useful AA devices they have access to in the war. [:)]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 16-18, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Allied subs lay mines in the approaches to Hollandia, but it seems to be in small numbers, and no ships hit them (yet). An ASW DD does sweep a few in passing and a dedicated AM is on the way now.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] The Allies take Long Island in an area long given up by the IJ. Para troops take Wessel Islands just to be annoying now that we pulverised the small Allied commando unit that had landed there.

Big Allied raids hit Sarmi on the 17th and Hollandia on the 18th. On the 18th Hellcats are added in numbers. We do get to the bombers eventually, which is great, and the fields are not significantly damaged at Hollandia thanks to the additional engineers there. It's an interesting game to play with the number of engineers necessary to make a three day set of raids necessary to close the place. Tricky to get right, and naval bombardments could end the whole deal at some point. They will have to wade through the PTs and subs first though!

Sami getting new engineers and Aa soon, plus big supply bumps to both bases and Biak. We'll see if the Allied commitment continues.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 16, 44
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TF 274 encounters mine field at 92,115

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze

2 mines cleared

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 17, 44
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TF 274 encounters mine field at 92,115

Japanese Ships
DD Oite

1 mine cleared

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Morning Air attack on Sarmi , at 91,114

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 59
P-38J Lightning x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 4 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
J2M3 Jack: 2 destroyed on ground
E15K1 Norm: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 18, 44
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Sub vs Sub: SS I-26 attacking SS Paddle at 95,117 - near Aitape

Japanese Ships
SS I-26

Allied Ships
SS Paddle, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

SS I-26 launches 6 torpedoes at 2,000 yards

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 56 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 18
A6M5b Zero x 28
A6M5c Zero x 3
A6M8 Zero x 3
J2M3 Jack x 12
N1K2-J George x 61
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 36
Ki-84a Frank x 23
Ki-100-I Tony x 28

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 22
F6F-3 Hellcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 4 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed
Ki-100-I Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 31000 feet *
5 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet *
6 x F4U-1A Corsair sweeping at 31000 feet *

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 6
A6M5b Zero x 13
A6M5c Zero x 2
N1K2-J George x 34
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 20
Ki-84a Frank x 15
Ki-100-I Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 43
P-38J Lightning x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 destroyed, 20 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 4 destroyed

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

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 52 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 6
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 15
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 10
Ki-100-I Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 5
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 8
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 8
Ki-100-I Tony x 3

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed
Ki-100-I Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 13
A6M5b Zero x 26
A6M5c Zero x 3
A6M8 Zero x 1
J2M3 Jack x 6
N1K2-J George x 53
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 32
Ki-84a Frank x 22
Ki-100-I Tony x 25

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed
Ki-100-I Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 31000 feet

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TF 387 encounters mine field at 92,115

Japanese Ships
AM Wa 101

5 mines cleared
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[font="Trebuchet MS"]Nice to see some 4Es go down finally. [:)][/font]

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 19-22, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] More sub-laid mines near Hollandia are scooped up by DDs first and then DMS and AM.So far we've been lucky here.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] Not much going o during these turns. A needed respite at just the right moment and now Hollandia and Sarmi are back on track. Supply and fresh troops get the damage fixed, the fields are filled to max with defensive fighters, and more and more groups arriving will be streaming south soon.

Somehow Joe forgot to turn off a bunch of B-24J and they smash into the CAP at Hollandia with predictable results. I offer a redo, but he declined, (which is probably best for the game as this sets a difficult precedent for future turns. I've made a ton of mistakes over the game, and I don't want to have to consider asking to replay when it might be a moment he suddenly makes a breakthrough somewhere and I didn't set things the way I had hoped). We keep on going, but this will set back the Allied bombers a bit.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] New and shiny P-47D25 show up over Darwin! Why Darwin of all places? This could be a sign maybe, of something beginning here? A ton of recon and naval search will flood the Arafura and surrounding areas for the next few turns.

On the 22nd increased activity is noticed around Horn Island. I'm getting some things rolling to make sure I'm ready if this is the real deal.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 19, 44
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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 31
J2M3 Jack x 13
N1K2-J George x 24
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 12
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-100-I Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 11 destroyed, 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 4 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16
J2M3 Jack x 6
N1K2-J George x 14
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3
Ki-100-I Tony x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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[Alpha77]

Obvert, Lemon would not answer, which mod is this game ? It is NOT stock scen right?

Also I am quite pleased to see that IJ CAP can do good vs. newer allied planes. But how big is the penalty in actual continuous battle for SR3 - do you need to shuffle around planes a lot (=more micromanagment) ?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Alpha77

Obvert, Lemon would not answer, which mod is this game ? It is NOT stock scen right?

Also I am quite pleased to see that IJ CAP can do good vs. newer allied planes. But how big is the penalty in actual continuous battle for SR3 - do you need to shuffle around planes a lot (=more micromanagment) ?

This is Scen 1. Completely stock.

Using recent beta though, so flak is stronger and the other great additions and tweaks.

All of that and other stuff is on page 1 of the AAr as well. [:)]

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3101451&mpage=1&key=&#4173621

[Alpha77]

Yeah I read page 1 of the AAR already, but the problem I have (and why I asked about a mod) is that it seems some stats are different to the scen2 stock I play. I always thought these both stock scens have the same stats only the IJ gets more stuff. Considering both are stock scens the stats of stuff should be the same..(imho). Also I think the Flak is already pretty good in the stock version I play (should be last patch) I just lost 5 (!) Betties to AA from some stranded indian-brits troops (at 10000 which is over 40mm ceiling).

Eg. the Tojo uses a different engine, also do get 43 IJA squads in scen1 a down - or upgrade (in my scen2 they get downgraded = minus 2 softkill) [&:] Edit, I added my IJA inf squad upgrade (pic from tracker), is this correct?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Alpha77

Yeah I read page 1 of the AAR already, but the problem I have (and why I asked about a mod) is that it seems some stats are different to the scen2 stock I play. I always thought these both stock scens have the same stats only the IJ gets more stuff. Considering both are stock scens the stats of stuff should be the same..(imho). Also I think the Flak is already pretty good in the stock version I play (should be last patch) I just lost 5 (!) Betties to AA from some stranded indian-brits troops (at 10000 which is over 40mm ceiling).

Eg. the Tojo uses a different engine, also do get 43 IJA squads in scen1 a down - or upgrade (in my scen2 they get downgraded = minus 2 softkill) [&:] Edit, I added my IJA inf squad upgrade (pic from tracker), is this correct?

I've not played a Scen 2 as Japan for a long time. Both should be the same for 43 IJA infantry squads.

The databases are different for Scen 1 and 2, so when you say they should be the same, that just isn't the case. Not sure why in some cases, but Scen 2 is a non-historical scenario, so it can be whatever.

[Lokasenna]

The squad change is historical. The IJA changed the structure of their squads - notice how the load cost drops from 19 to 17 as well. They reduced the number of men in the squads. Looked it up, or it came up on these forums, some time ago.


The flak updates aren't so much on the device stats IIRC, but the layout and so forth.

[Alpha77]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

The squad change is historical. The IJA changed the structure of their squads - notice how the load cost drops from 19 to 17 as well. They reduced the number of men in the squads. Looked it up, or it came up on these forums, some time ago.


The flak updates aren't so much on the device stats IIRC, but the layout and so forth.

Yes, it is probably historical. I was confused someone mentions IJA gets more AT in 43 squads, but that was probably a mod. So scen 1 should have the same downgrade of 43 squads then, right? I believe in the "babes" IJ motor squads are already better from the start and 43 they get 20 or so +AT. They should get a bit better, also in soft imho, IIRC they get a better LMG also in service. +10 AT and + 2 AS would be fair. This is not much compared to the Allied upgraded. I also doubt every British or Indian squad in this theater had a PIAT. Maybe not even in Europe. Apart from the fact PIAT was not really good (yes it got lucky hits on Tigers)

I guess in the "normal" last patch version game I play AA is pretty effective already, at least Allied one (as it should be). If Allied planes fly low even IJ gets the one or other lucky hit [;)] Gotta check out the beta you guys talk about...

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 23, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] Ok. So I didn't mention during the last post that I had seen two TFs hugging the OZ coast near Wessel Islands, reading as SCTFs. Each showed only two ships each. I had a bunch of recon planes and some Bettys doing search out here, but they obviously didn't catch everything, because today there is a flotilla that looks to be comprising most of the USN landing troops at Darwin!! [X(][X(]

I had started putting units on alert and getting more search in the area, but it looks a turn too late to actually stop anything here. I also sent in a Three CA/DD TFs to intercept what I thought were bombardment TFs, and they did find something; two Iowa class BBs and their escorts! [X(][:-]

That wasn't a positive outcome for the IJN, and the survivors were plastered in the day phase by the various CV/CVE TFs in the area.

So. Now for the good news. The TFS landed late thanks to the many PTS and subs at Darwin, and the KB with several solid SCTFs including a number of BBs and CAs were moving in near Ambon just in case. Have a look at the map below. It shows they're route for the 23rd. I'd like to invite a CV battle as judging from the last clash, we should be on somewhat even terms. The KB planes are rested and ready whereas the Allies did have strikes, including a lot of TT expenditure today. I'll also be able to support with a bunch of high quality LBA, including Franks, Georges and Jacks all LR CAPing the BB TFs.

I'm setting up near Taberfane aiming at a 7 hex strike to his CVs, or less if he moves out to shield from an 8 hex strike, which is what I'm expecting. That would mean we have LBA cover, extra strike planes from Dili, Ambon and Biak, and he has none. It also looks like much less than the full Death Star. I see air groups from the following CV/CVL in the Judy strike below.

Enterprise - VF-6 with F4U-1A
Saratoga - VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat
Hornet - VF-8 with F4U-1A
Essex - VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat
Lexington II - VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat

Princeton - VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat
Belleau Wood - VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat
Independence - VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat
Langley - VF-32 with F6F-3 Hellcat
Monterey - VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat

There are at least ten CVE groups here as well.

This is going to be interesting. [:)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Eight fast IJN subs lead the fleet and will try to intercept the Allied CVs before the battle.

Few USN subs in range but do spot two here.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 22, 44
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Bathurst Island at 78,123, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 3
CA Maya, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
CA Nachi, Shell hits 6
DD Natsugumo, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo, Shell hits 1
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 2
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Amagiri, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Allied Ships
BB Iowa, Shell hits 7
BB New Jersey, Shell hits 3
DD Chauncey
DD Erben
DD Kimberly
DD Mullany, Shell hits 1
DD Stephen Potter
DD Saufley, Shell hits 1

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Darwin at 77,124, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-552
MTB G-18

Allied Ships
CVE Sangamon
CVE Chenango
CVE Suwannee
CVE Wake Island
CL Richmond
CL Trenton
DD Henley
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Porter
DD Clark

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Bathurst Island at 77,123

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 40
D4Y3 Judy x 27

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 43
F6F-3 Hellcat x 111

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 16 destroyed
D4Y3 Judy: 11 destroyed
D4Y3 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Princeton

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 14 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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 16 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 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-32 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-114 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-115 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 76,124

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 24
E13A1 Jake x 18
J2M3 Jack x 16
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42
FM-1 Wildcat x 27
F6F-3 Hellcat x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 5 destroyed
J2M3 Jack: 3 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VC(F)-63 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 8 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VC(F)-68 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VC(F)-92 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VOC(F)-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 38800.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VC(F)-4 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 35500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Bathurst Island at 78,122

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 14
F6F-3 Hellcat x 41
SBD-5 Dauntless x 62
TBF-1 Avenger x 17

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Minegumo

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Babar at 76,117

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10
TBM-1C Avenger x 17

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Taiyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Junpo Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Kosho Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Saumlaki at 78,117

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 16
SBD-5 Dauntless x 31

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Akita Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
xAKL Heiwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Tamozono Maru #1, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 74,123

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15
TBM-1C Avenger x 17

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Shinrei Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Nittatsu Maru

Japanese ground losses:
737 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Bathurst Island at 78,122

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 29
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
SBD-5 Dauntless x 30
TBF-1 Avenger x 16

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yamagumo
CA Nachi, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Minegumo

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Babar at 76,117

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 13
SBD-5 Dauntless x 31

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kosho Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
PB Chitose Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Darwin at 74,123

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 14
TBM-1C Avenger x 16

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Nittatsu Maru, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
PB Kyo Maru #12, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Darwin (76,124)

TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Darwin, 76,124

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 69 (0 destroyed, 69 disabled)
Vehicles lost 103 (1 destroyed, 102 disabled)

Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 2nd Medium Rgt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Darwin (76,124)

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho
DD Gansevoort
APA Wharton
APA Hunter Liggett
DD Warrington

Japanese ground losses:
550 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 51 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 30 (7 destroyed, 23 disabled)

BB New Mexico firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
BB Idaho firing at 48th JNAF AF Unit
DD Gansevoort firing at 48th JNAF AF Unit
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Darwin (76,124)

TF 558 troops unloading over beach at Darwin, 76,124

Allied ground losses:
631 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 78 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 226 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 42 (0 destroyed, 42 disabled)

11 troops of a AIF Inf Section 43 lost in surf during unload of 1st Australian Div /2

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

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[font="Trebuchet MS"]The KB is in a perfect position for a strike supported by LBA both offensively and with added CAP of high quality first line fighters with 70-85 EXP pilots. I predict the USN CVs will stay in place here two hexes out of Darwin to ward off incursions while the CVEs protect the shipping directly. This split allows the LBA to play a potentially important role, as Darwin can be LR CAPed as well. I'll set LBA to only 9 hexes, to Darwin, to hit the CVEs and troop ships. The KB will attempt to tangle with the partial Death Star. Since it seems there are only 5-6 CVs and 5 CVL (plus whatever CVEs are in range) this is a manageable battle. I'm worried about he brittle IJN CVs getting hit and struggling to make it to Ambon, but in this case it's a risk worth taking. Fingers crossed!![/font]

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[obvert]

The following turn began with lots of night search based in Darwin and Groot Eylandt finding a shifting of Allied units. Some significant forces were moving down the coast of OZ, away from the main force at Darwin. Will the Allied CVs be closer than predicted, or out of range? Will this be only bombardment forces retiring and spread out strikes, limiting effectiveness against the CVs?

[obvert]

The day phase starts with a lot of info gained from search. Scores of D3Y3 from the KB and other recon and search planes sort out where the Allied CVs and CVEs end up. I am surprised to find 4-5 search planes destroyed by CAP just off the Wessel Is. area, hugging the OZ coast. I try to count out the distance to the KB but can't work it out before the strikes of the day begin ...

[obvert]

The Kates have first shot, flying at max range with bombs at 5k. The LR CAP at Darwin wears down some of the CVE CAP and the healthy escort gets the Kates through easily. CVEs burn, and the next round adds to the flames. They get 15 hits from 41 planes, or 37%. Pretty good from level bombing (of course two bombs per helps).

The Judys are at normal range with tanks and drop 500kg bombs onto the mess that is now the CVE TF here. From 23 planes 8 hits are successful on the three CVEs, or 35%. CAP is now only 9 FM-1.

Jills are in torpedo range and put the finishing touches on, also taking out an APA and getting 9 hits from 38 planes, 24%.

[obvert]

After LBA the KB strikes go forward. I still don't know what our range difference is here, and seeing these go in first at least relaxes me that weather, distance, fragmentation and other factors haven't ruined the day for the IJN at least. The Allied CAP is tough, but not overwhelming, and the escort punch near 78 Judys (from 83) and about 50 Jills (from 75) into the flak zone. Allied AA at this stage is torturous, but 64 Judys and 40 Jills manage to drop ordnance. The hit rate is decent for DBs (33%) but not as good for the Jills (15%), in spite of high skill levels, but the results are still positive.

The CVEs take the brunt of the first strikes. There look to be four in this hex and all take significant damage, with Chenago sunk outright by 5 fish.

[obvert]

Of the CVs hit the Essex takes one torpedo with no extra damage reports while the Emperor Norton is stung by an ammo storage explosion from the one 500kg bomb that hits and penetrates the flight deck.

[obvert]

A second strike from a smaller package also breaks through and gets a decisive two torpedoes into the Essex, making three total, plus a 500kg bomb. The Lexington also takes a fish.

[obvert]

By now in the replay I've counted out the hexes and learned that this is another 8 hex strike!! [X(][X(]

Extreme luck here, as that wasn't what I'd wanted. The goal was not only to get strong cohesive strike with LBA and the KB but to let LBA fighters help blunt the Death Star strike packages, hopefully setting up for at least equal losses but a chance for an outright win on day two when the smaller number of USN CVs would be fighting damaged and compromised in foreign territory.

Still, this is good, and although it might not be the decisive battle I was hoping for, it could lead to significant Allied losses and corresponding delays to the schedule of advances.

My hopes increase in the afternoon phase as another massive strike appears on the screen heading for the Allied fleet. I wasn't expecting this at all , and just about start salivating on the keyboard from anticipation ...