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

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]August 26, 1944[/font]

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After the recent victory in the air the skies are quiet at Sapporo. This gives a chance to reorganise groups and send fresh pilots in.

Around Rangoon the Allies continue sweeps and light bombing, with reduced units, seemingly depleted from the constant fighting. They face some tired Japanese groups and get the better of the day, but probably still lost more of their good pilots than ours.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR August 26, 1944
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Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 45,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 6
N1K2-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 6

Allied aircraft
Thunderbolt I x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Thunderbolt I: 2 destroyed

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Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 44,500 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 4
N1K2-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 5

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 41500 feet

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Morning Air attack on Pegu , at 55,53

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 7
B-25C Mitchell x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M8 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell: 6 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25D Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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In spite of recent efforts in the air, Shikuka is still well guarded by sea. I've been toying with some new ideas though, and I'll test defences soon just to see how he's set up CAP, etc.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]August 27, 1944[/font]

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Back to bombing islands today. Rangoon is taking a pounding now that the CAP here is worn down, but still takes a tithe for every strike. I've pulled the CAP back and turned it all off in hopes of rebuilding. Flak will have to hold for now.

The Allies have been bombarding near Prome. It's getting an even result now, which is better than usual.

Darwin is also on it's last legs.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR August 27, 1944
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Morning Air attack on Onnekotan-jima , at 136,48

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
B-25H Mitchell x 8
B-29-1 Superfort x 5
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 16
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 17
PV-1 Ventura x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 2 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 9 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
PV-1 Ventura: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 13000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator B.VI x 15
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-17F Fortress x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator B.VI: 4 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 1 destroyed by flak
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak
B-17F Fortress: 2 damaged

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Liberator B.VI bombing from 13000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Ground combat at 55,51 (near Prome)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 147825 troops, 1676 guns, 1711 vehicles, Assault Value = 4417

Defending force 97772 troops, 989 guns, 455 vehicles, Assault Value = 2830

Japanese ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
46th Indian Brigade
1st New Chinese Corps
Guides Cavalry Regiment
32nd Infantry Division
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
23rd Chindit Brigade
40th Infantry Division
754th Tank Battalion
25th Indian Division
27th Infantry Division
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
5th Chinese Corps
50th Indian Para Brigade
14th Chindit Brigade
255th Indian Tank Brigade
5th Indian Division
2nd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Indian AA Bde
197th Coast AA Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
31st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
8th Medium Regiment
33rd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
5th Division
55th Division
18th Division
14th Tank Regiment
31st Division
48th Division
2nd Division
10th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
23rd AA Regiment
16th AA Regiment
69th Field AA Battalion
32nd Air Defense AA Battalion
13th RF Gun (Pack) Battalion
43rd Const Co
51st Field AA Battalion
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
70th Field AA Battalion
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion
60th Field AA Battalion
11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion

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Ground combat at Darwin (76,124)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4823 troops, 52 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 120

Defending force 2902 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 104

Allied adjusted assault: 34

Japanese adjusted defense: 82

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

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

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

Allied ground losses:
190 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Australian/A Division

Defending units:
67th Nav Gd /2
16th Naval Guard Unit
15th Nav Gd /1

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]August 28, 1944[/font]

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More island bombing and more of the same at Rangoon. I've now got 85 working fighters in Burma again, so about 1/3 of what I started with. Soon though replacements will get fixed up and if I'm lucky, I'll get them back in action before getting trashed on the ground.

The Chinese are attacked and surrender in the mountains.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR August 28, 1944
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Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-24J Liberator x 31
B-25D1 Mitchell x 10
B-25J1 Mitchell x 11

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 5 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 18 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-25J1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1
Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Ketoi-jima , at 134,50

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6
B-25H Mitchell x 20
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 16

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25H Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on 16th Naval Guard Unit, at 76,124 (Darwin)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

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

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 37

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
333 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 4000 feet *
Ground Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Ketoi-jima , at 134,50

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 11
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 7 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Ground combat at 67,44 (near Tsuyung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 32415 troops, 212 guns, 249 vehicles, Assault Value = 1056

Defending force 2737 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1000

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 1000 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
3421 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 348 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
13th Division
15th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
110th Division
2nd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
60th Chinese Corps

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]August 29, 1944[/font]

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Ketoi-Jima takes the hit today. A few more 4Es lost here and down South to flak. Darwin about to fold.

A while back I sent a small group of 3 Franks to sweep Shikuka and check Allied CAP settings. Since then I think he's been on guard. Naval search has been increased and he's not sweeping Sapporo anymore. I do have the KB out, and ready, and some night search got the "we've spotted enemy carriers" message. I don't think he would have missed that, so I have to decide if I'm going to go for it or not. Soon.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR August 29, 1944
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Morning Air attack on Ketoi-jima , at 134,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6
B-24J Liberator x 9
B-25H Mitchell x 22
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 30
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25H Mitchell: 6 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 6 damaged

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

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 74

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Ketoi-jima , at 134,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 57 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 17
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 16
P-51B Mustang x 15
PV-1 Ventura x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 8 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 6 damaged

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

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x PV-1 Ventura bombing from 8000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8
B-24J Liberator x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged

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

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2
Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on 67th Naval Guard Unit, at 76,124 (Darwin)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 37

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
344 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 4000 feet *
Ground Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]August 30, 1944[/font]

---

Darwin returns to the Allies.

Rangoon is hit again. Para sees a night strike that does nothing and loses a few coastal command B-24s.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR August 30, 1944
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Night Air attack on Paramushiro-jima , at 137,47

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator GR.VI x 6

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator GR.VI: 4 damaged
Liberator GR.VI: 1 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Liberator GR.VI bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 250 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 18
B-25D1 Mitchell x 24
B-25J1 Mitchell x 15

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 10 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 9 damaged
B-25J1 Mitchell: 8 damaged

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

Runway hits 2
Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 13000 feet *
Port Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Ground combat at Darwin (76,124)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4730 troops, 52 guns, 43 vehicles, Assault Value = 102

Defending force 3603 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 83

Allied adjusted assault: 256

Japanese adjusted defense: 17

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 2)

Allied forces CAPTURE Darwin !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1344 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 39 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Allied ground losses:
226 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 26 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
4th Australian/A Division

Defending units:
67th Naval Guard Unit
16th Naval Guard Unit
15th Nav Gd /1
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[obvert]

---

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]August 31, 1944[/font]

---

Something big is about to happen. I've been getting the pieces in place for the better part of a month, and waiting for the right moment.

The entire IJN, thousands of land based planes, most of the auxiliary escort fleet and numerous search, recon and patrol planes are ready to be employed.

This will be the decisive battle.


Below are some indications of the scale of this operation. These are the task forces prepared and lurking, just to the edges of search and recon. It's been useful that the Allies have gotten into a pattern of recon, and they're search has not (until I tipped my hand recently with a few test flights into CAP) has not been extensive or deep.

I've now piled so many ships into one hex near Hokkaido the the Allies must be having the same problem I am having seeing their ships at Shikuka. Several other gatherings seem to have gone unnoticed though, or at least haven't provoked any noticeable preparations or changes in actions.

The Allies have now stopped hitting Sapporo and Kushiro, and I think it's to keep up a big healthy CAP and wait for the Japanese to act. Today the wait is over ...

... the last upgrading CAs have now joined the fleet, and the weather and moonlight are good, so this op is on!

[obvert]

Here are the naval forces arrayed against the Allies. I finally decided it was worth more to use the IJN before the Allied CVs return than to keep the force in tact to fight the carriers. If this works, it will change everything in the game. If it doesn't, he'll still have to come and resupply at some point, and LBA and the KB can still play their part.

This turn will be for the surface forces mostly though.

All kinds of smaller ships will try to clear a path, sweep some mines (one way or another), damage the big BBs and CA/CL at night, and make the job easier for IJN cruisers and battle ships arriving later and aiming to bombard during the day. I've set all bombardments to remain and for daylight strikes, which means they have to make it through a lot of potential combat first. The BBs will arrive last so should catch the Allies low on ammo and ops points.

Tanaka will lead four BBs including his flagship, Yamato. I didn't build Musashi this game. Another slow BB TF and one fast BB TF will also arrive to bombard later in the turn. The eleven CAs are set up in three ten ship TFs with three CAs each and one eight ship TF with two CAs. The CLs are grouped according to age and weapon types.

Lots of faster DDs and Es will try to get in first and mix it up. Some MTBs are also kamikaze-ing over, out of their fuel range.

The KB will set up one hex to the West of Shikuka and support air strikes on naval forces and on the base by IJAAF LBA. Sweeps will also run from multiple bases at different altitudes to try and not coordinate! [:)]

[obvert]

The replay is back!

Dan had a free morning, and sent it back quickly. One of the most tense and nervous moments of my AE games to open this turn and watch it play out ...
the first messages are ominous (lots of mines, as predicted), and then the turn began with a real showdown ...

... the 100% moonlight will help out later though.
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TF 372 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, Mine hits 1

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TF 468 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, Mine hits 1

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TF 523 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-28, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,44, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-848, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
MGB G-877
MGB G-878
MTB G-880
MTB G-881

Allied Ships
PT-143
PT-144
PT-145
PT-146
PT-147
PT-148

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards

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[obvert]

soon after though the real battles fired up. this is an impressive USN TF. The Japanese did well here, but definitely were beat up by the end. I'd hoped the little PBs and Es as well as the fast old DDs would have gotten here before the cruisers. Will any of them make it in to bombard?

This one is about a draw, but the IJN CAs withdraw from battle. It looks like Minneapolis will be in trouble.
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Kumano, Shell hits 3
DD Onami, Shell hits 1
DD Kishinami
DD Akishimo, Shell hits 1
DD Shirayuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 3
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Columbia, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 1
DD McGowan
DD Mertz, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Mullany, Shell hits 1
DD Murray
DD Newcomb
DD Owen
DD Philip, Shell hits 1
DD Picking, Shell hits 2

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
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[obvert]

after this things begin going more to plan. The little Es run up against a big old BB TF. Not sure what Wichita is ding in there, but they waste a lot of ammo and ops chasing this bunch around.

Tone and Aoba got a shot next and absorbed a lot of USN ordnance. They also retired after this one. Not what I'd wanted. Uh oh. [:(]
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Sanae, Shell hits 2
E Asagao, Shell hits 2
E Yanagi, Shell hits 1
E Kari, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 2
CA Wichita, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Nashville
DD Halsey Powell
DD Prichett
DD Pringle, Shell hits 1
DD Abner Read
DD Remey
DD Renshaw

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Tone, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Aoba, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
DD Minegumo, Shell hits 2
DD Asagumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Shinonome, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Sagiri
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi
CA Wichita, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Nashville
DD Halsey Powell
DD Prichett
DD Pringle
DD Abner Read, Shell hits 1
DD Remey
DD Renshaw

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
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[obvert]

Some more Es tangle with the BBs after this. At least their using up a lot of ammo.

Then the CLs move in. Against late war USN DDs I'm very happy with how these CLs duked it out and even sunk two outright. A good commander, and he got in close to make those TT have some effect. Every TF was meticulously looked over and all commanders either great admirals with high naval and aggression, or fantastic captains with the same.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 1
CL Natori, Shell hits 3
CL Yura, Shell hits 2
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 4
DD Naganami, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
DD Samidare, Shell hits 4, heavy fires

Allied Ships
DD Black, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Boyd, Shell hits 2
DD Bradford, Shell hits 3
DD Clarence Bronson, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Brown, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Brownson, Shell hits 1

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 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: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Hiraoka, Kumeichi crosses the 'T'
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[obvert]

With 20+ subs in the hex I was waiting for one to do more than hitting mines. Finally the I-174 came through. A good target to nail, too.
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Sub attack near Shikuka at 126,43

Japanese Ships
SS I-174, hits 19, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore, Torpedo hits 1
CA Boston
DD Hale
DD Miller
DD McKee
DD Halford

SS I-174 launches 4 torpedoes at CA Baltimore
DD Miller fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD McKee attacking submerged sub ....
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[obvert]

After Apogon takes out one of the wounded IJN DDs the CLs are left on their own to face the big boys. Again the commander gets them in close, but no fish are landed.

Some DDs then bear the brunt of some of the last rounds of USN BB ammo. Two are sunk.

At this point I'm really starting to worry. Where are the other CAs? Where are the numerous little PB and E TFs? Where are the other fast DDs? [&:]
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Sub attack near Shikuka at 126,43

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Apogon

SS Apogon launches 6 torpedoes

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2
CL Natori
CL Yura, Shell hits 19, on fire
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 6

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 1
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 3
CA Wichita, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Nashville
DD Halsey Powell
DD Prichett
DD Pringle
DD Abner Read
DD Remey
DD Renshaw

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 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...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 9,000 yards
Hiraoka, Kumeichi crosses the 'T'
BB Mississippi engages CL Tenryu at 9,000 yards

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Akishimo, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ayanami
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi
CA Wichita, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Nashville
DD Halsey Powell
DD Prichett
DD Pringle
DD Abner Read, Shell hits 2
DD Remey
DD Renshaw

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
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[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: obvert


At this point I'm really starting to worry. Where are the other CAs? Where are the numerous little PB and E TFs? Where are the other fast DDs?

If I read your maps correctly, those PBs' and Es' have a long way to go relative to their speed and at such a distance, can't be counted on to arrive first even with low numbered task forces. The speed delta and distance is just too far.

[obvert]

The same DDs now find another daunting opponent ... BC Repulse and the RN!

These two are dispatched quickly.

Some of the little Es now start getting in there too.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Akishimo, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Newcastle
DD Yarnall
DD Swanson
DD Lamson, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Conyngham
DD Worden

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Otori, Shell hits 38, and is sunk
E Hato

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Mississippi
CL Nashville
DD Halsey Powell
DD Prichett
DD Pringle
DD Abner Read
DD Remey

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...

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

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: obvert


At this point I'm really starting to worry. Where are the other CAs? Where are the numerous little PB and E TFs? Where are the other fast DDs?

If I read your maps correctly, those PBs' and Es' have a long way to go relative to their speed and at such a distance, can't be counted on to arrive first even with low numbered task forces. The speed delta and distance is just too far.

The fast Es can make it, and those are the ones I was relying on to dart around causing havoc!

All of the slow Es and PBs are set to arrive after the second movement phase but hopefully before the BBs.

Most all of them are at least 4/4 and a lot of the TFs start from Wakkanai or Bihoro. Some of the CAs though just made it to Shikuka from near Kushiro (10 hexes ) even though only listed as 9/9.

[obvert]

Now, this is very interesting! Good of course to get a hit, but also that the BB TF moved out of Shikuka hex. Looks like ops and amor are out! Lets hope the CAP isn't set for more than 0 range.

[obvert]

Next up the DDs find striken Baltimore and Boston. This TF is ready to rumble though, and really sticks it to the IJN quickly.

[obvert]

A few big matchups occur in quick succession after the USN takes care of a few more straggling cripples.

The Repulse takes on three CAs and I'd say the IJN gets the better of this one, sinking CL Newcastle.

The next three get worked over by the USN CAs, but get Baltimore in sinking condition. It's a heavy price though as all three CAs take heavy damage and several DDs are sinking. Neither of these two will make their bombardments, I'm thinking.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 6, on fire
CA Atago, Shell hits 6, on fire
CA Maya, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Suzunami, Shell hits 3
DD Fujinami, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Usugumo, Shell hits 4
DD Isonami
DD Hatsuyuki, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Amagiri, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ushio, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 15
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Yarnall, Shell hits 7
DD Swanson, Shell hits 5, heavy fires
DD Lamson, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
DD Worden, Shell hits 2, on fire

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Maya at 24,000 yards

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Karukaya, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
E Yugao, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
E Kiku, Shell hits 8, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 1
CA Boston, Shell hits 1
DD Chauncey
DD Fullam, Shell hits 1
DD Hale
DD Halford
DD McKee
DD Miller

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

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TF 395 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-46, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 8, heavy fires
CA Nachi, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 17, heavy fires
DD Hanazuki, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Murakumo, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oboro, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Akebono, Shell hits 1
DD Kisaragi, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yayoi, Shell hits 10, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Boston, Shell hits 2
DD Chauncey
DD Fullam
DD Hale, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Halford
DD McKee
DD Miller

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 24,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CA Boston at 24,000 yards

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