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

[obvert]

Next the modern IJN CLs get absolutely mauled by CL Trenton and six Fletchers. This one is bad.

Santa Fe and Astoria then put them out of their misery. If there are more of these fresh TFs around this is not going to be a good turn for the Japanese.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 17, on fire
CL Agano, Shell hits 29, heavy fires
CL Noshiro, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Yahagi, Shell hits 12, heavy fires
DD Okinami, Shell hits 41, and is sunk
DD Kiyoshimo, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
DD Hayashimo, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 25, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Shell hits 29, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Fletcher, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Abbot, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hopewell, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hunt, Shell hits 1
DD Hutchins, Shell hits 1
DD Irwin, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 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: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
Holmes, R.S. crosses the 'T'
CL Yahagi engages CL Trenton at 12,000 yards

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed
E15K1 Norm: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Agano, Shell hits 28, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Noshiro, and is sunk
CL Yahagi, Shell hits 27, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Astoria, Shell hits 2
CL Santa Fe, Shell hits 1
DD McGowan
DD Mullany
DD Murray
DD Newcomb

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
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[obvert]

Now the little ships arrive en masse. After the Santa fe and Astoria take out three TFs strait the Repulse is found by one and run out of ammo.

She's hurting so hopefully something bigger will come along and finish her off.

Some DMS make it through to sweep a handful of mines. Subs remove some too, only one at a time. [8|]
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 24,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Shimakaze, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
E Nadakaze, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
E Tsuga, Shell hits 1
E Hiyodori, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Yarnall, on fire

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TF 171 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 51, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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TF 282 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
E W-13
E W-14

4 mines cleared

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TF 372 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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TF 381 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-34, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-6, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DMS W-20, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Astoria
CL Santa Fe
DD McGowan
DD Mullany
DD Murray
DD Newcomb

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Scanland, F. crosses the 'T'
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[obvert]

These PBs actually are pretty good at clearing out PT boats I've found. Then comes a long succession of target practice for the Fletcher and DE crews. The IJN Es really don't do well as a surface combat ship.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,44, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Chitose Maru #2
PB Manyo Maru
PB Marei Maru
PB Nichiryo Maru

Allied Ships
PT-143
PT-144
PT-145
PT-146, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-147, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-148, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 19,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Kasado, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
DMS W-22, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
E W-41, Shell hits 17, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Stembel
DD Strong
DD David Taylor

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

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TF 508 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-156, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E No.16, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
E No.28, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
E No.34, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
E No.38, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
E No.42, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
E No.130, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Monaghan
DD Stuart
DD Warramunga, Shell hits 1, on fire

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

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Yashiro, Shell hits 31, and is sunk
E Ukuru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
E Shonan, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
E Daito, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
E Okinawa, Shell hits 19, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Stembel
DD Strong
DD David Taylor, 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 Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 4, Shell hits 3
SC Ch 6, Shell hits 25, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC Ch 10, Shell hits 15, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DE James E. Craig
DE Darby
DE Eichenberger
DE England

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

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 4
SC Ch 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC Ch 10, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DE James E. Craig
DE Darby
DE Eichenberger
DE England

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 23,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
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[obvert]

Kashi and Kashima, the IJN training cruisers, show up to be absolutely crushed by two USN DDs. Not even a glimmer of hope there. Yikes.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kashima, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Kashii, Shell hits 28, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Boyd, Shell hits 2
DD Bradford, Shell hits 1

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
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CL Kashii engages DD Bradford at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 14,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kashima, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Kashii, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DE James E. Craig
DE Darby
DE Eichenberger
DE England

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

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TF 590 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-113, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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TF 606 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-35, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 614 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-157, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 620 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
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[obvert]

Kitakami and Oi come dashing i next a get a bit of revenge. This was the first positive note in a while, and I found myself cheering a bit when one of the 40 long lances each of these carry found the mark! [&o]

A small victory.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami
CL Oi, Shell hits 6
DD Hibiki
DD Ikazuchi
DD Inazuma
DD Fubuki

Allied Ships
DE James E. Craig, Shell hits 20, heavy fires, heavy damage
DE Darby, Shell hits 18, and is sunk
DE Eichenberger, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DE England, Shell hits 18, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
CL Oi engages DE England at 18,000 yards
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[Lowpe]

Training cruisers! My goodness...[X(]

[obvert]

At last, after a few more sub minesweepers, the first of the BBs engages the enemy!!

Didn't take too much ammo for this.
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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Yamato
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
DD Kazegumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Tamanami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Arare
DD Kasumi
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
PT-149
PT-150
PT-151
PT-152
PT-153
PT-154, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
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[obvert]

I'm adding the next section to give an idea of how much has been going on behind the scenes. Lots of inconclusive battles, manoeuvring, and skirmishes.

Finally though a lot of small ships arrive to chip away at the PTs.
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TF 336 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-44, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E No.26, Shell hits 13, on fire
SC Ch 15
SC Ch 47

Allied Ships
PT-220
PT-258, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-259, Shell hits 1
PT-260
PT-261
PT-262
PT-263, Shell hits 1
PT-264, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-277, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-278
PT-279, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-280, Shell hits 1, heavy fires

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 17,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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TF 553 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-101, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-541
MTB G-552
MTB G-842
MGB G-876
MTB G-883

Allied Ships
PT-241
PT-242
PT-243
PT-244
PT-245
PT-246

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 3,000 yards
Vincent J. gains tactical advantage
MGB G-876 engages PT-241 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 15,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru
AMC Asaka Maru
AMC Kongo Maru

Allied Ships
PT-220
PT-259, on fire
PT-260
PT-261
PT-262
PT-263, on fire
PT-278, Shell hits 1
PT-280, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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TF 599 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-116, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-538
MTB G-542
MTB G-543
MTB G-544, Shell hits 1, on fire
MTB G-545

Allied Ships
PT-167
PT-168
PT-169
PT-170
PT-171
PT-172

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 3,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
Glass A. gains tactical advantage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
PT-172 engages MTB G-544 at 2,000 yards
PT-169 engages MTB G-545 at 2,000 yards
PT-167 engages MTB G-543 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-553
MTB G-554
MTB G-555
MTB G-839, Shell hits 1
MTB G-840

Allied Ships
PT-119
PT-120
PT-121
PT-222
PT-247
PT-248, Shell hits 2

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
MTB G-840 engages PT-120 at 2,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-841
MTB G-843
MTB G-844
MTB G-845

Allied Ships
DD Swanson, heavy fires
DD Lamson, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Conyngham, heavy fires
DD Worden, on fire

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 18,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

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

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 33, Shell hits 2
SC Ch 48

Allied Ships
PT-235
PT-236, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PT-237, Shell hits 1
PT-238
PT-239
PT-240, Shell hits 1

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 14,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 127,44, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-16
MTB G-17
MTB G-18

Allied Ships
DD Yarnall, on fire

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 27,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Yamato
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
DD Kazegumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Tamanami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Arare
DD Kasumi
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
PT-149
PT-150
PT-151
PT-152
PT-153
PT-154, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
BB Yamato engages PT-149 at 25,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Yamato
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
DD Kazegumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Tamanami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Arare, heavy damage
DD Kasumi
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
PT-134
PT-135
PT-136
PT-137
PT-138
PT-142

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 28,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Yamato
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
DD Kazegumo
DD Makigumo
DD Makinami
DD Takanami
DD Tamanami
DD Hatsukaze
DD Tanikaze
DD Michishio
DD Arashio
DD Kasumi
DD Hatsushima
DD Wakaba

Allied Ships
PT-65
PT-83
PT-84
PT-109
PT-110
PT-111

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 28,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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TF 716 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
DD Michishio, Mine hits 1
DD Takanami, Mine hits 1, heavy damage


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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Hasu
E Kuri

Allied Ships
PT-252
PT-253
PT-254
PT-255
PT-256
PT-257

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 19,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 17,000 yards...
Allied PT Boat TF evades combat

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TF 105 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-38, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E No.17
E No.21
E No.29
E No.31

Allied Ships
PT-173, Shell hits 1
PT-174
PT-175
PT-176
PT-177, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-178

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 17,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-550
MTB G-551
MTB G-882

Allied Ships
PT-229
PT-230
PT-231
PT-232
PT-233
PT-234

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
Matsuo V. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Japanese PT Boat TF evades combat

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 18
SC Ch 38
SC Ch 42
SC Ch 44

Allied Ships
PT-116
PT-117
PT-118
PT-249
PT-250
PT-251

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 16,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 18
SC Ch 38
SC Ch 42, Shell hits 2
SC Ch 44

Allied Ships
PT-116
PT-117, Shell hits 1, heavy fires
PT-118
PT-249
PT-250, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PT-251

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Yasoshima
E Sado
E Chiburi
E W-25
E W-29

Allied Ships
PT-235
PT-237, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-238, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-239
PT-240

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range increases to 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Hashidate
AMC Kiyosumi Maru
AMC Nosiro Maru
AMC Gokoku Maru

Allied Ships
PT-116
PT-117, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-118
PT-249, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-251

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range increases to 20,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Eiko Maru #2, Shell hits 4
PB Hakkaisan Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Kasyu Maru, Shell hits 16, on fire
PB Kogyoku Maru
PB Kohoku Maru, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
PT-179
PT-180, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-181, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-183, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
PB Kogyoku Maru engages PT-179 at 15,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Sinko Maru
PB Taikei Maru
PB Toko Maru #4

Allied Ships
PT-236, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 21,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
PT-236 sunk by PB Sinko Maru at 5,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

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TF 656 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
PB Taikei Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 127,44, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Miyake, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
E Kusagaki, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
E W-39, Shell hits 2
APD T-2, Shell hits 15, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Boyd, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bradford, Shell hits 3

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
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
MacKenzie, G. crosses the 'T'

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 127,44, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Miyake, heavy fires
E Kusagaki, heavy fires, heavy damage
E W-39
APD T-2, heavy fires, heavy damage

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

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 27,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

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Sub attack near Shikuka at 126,43

Japanese Ships
MTB G-549

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

SS Pogy cannot acquire firing solution on enemy MTB
Sub escapes detection

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Shikuka at 126,43, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E No.25
E No.27
E No.43, Shell hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
PT-223
PT-224
PT-227

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
PT-227 engages E No.43 at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

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TF 585 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-12, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DMS W-3, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage

DMS W-12 firing at 57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DMS W-12
DMS W-3 firing at 57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at DMS W-3
DMS W-12 firing at 57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
DMS W-3 firing at 57th Coastal Artillery Regiment

22 mines cleared

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TF 620 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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TF 647 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS RO-36, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 653 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-158, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 620 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 372 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 620 encounters mine field at Shikuka (126,43)

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Shikuka at 126,43

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
DD Wakaba

Allied Ships
SS Apogon, hits 9, heavy damage

SS Apogon launches 6 torpedoes at DD Takanami
Apogon bottoming out ....
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Shikuka at 126,43

Japanese Ships
DMS W-20, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Apogon, heavy damage

DMS W-20 is sighted by SS Apogon
SS Apogon cannot submerge, must engage on the surface
DMS W-20 firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

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

[obvert]

Finally the air phase arrives at last!! I've been dying to see the KB get some action, and right away I'm over the moon. The first strikes go for the Boston TF, a hex away from Shikuka, and there is no CAP. [&o]

Hope quickly changed to dismay though as the flak is so intense only two bombs land from around 150 strike planes.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Shikuka at 127,44

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 20
B6N2a Jill x 17
B7A2 Grace x 20
D4Y3 Judy x 25
D4Y4 Judy x 70

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 3 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
B7A2 Grace: 2 damaged
B7A2 Grace: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 10 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y4 Judy: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Miller
CA Baltimore, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Astoria
DD Irwin, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hopewell, on fire
DD Strong
DD Yarnall, on fire
CA Boston, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Santa Fe
DD Abbot, on fire
DD David Taylor
DD Fletcher, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Hunt
DD McKee
DD Hale, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

The next strike is a bit more effective. The Repulse is hit with four 500kg bombs. She's in trouble now. That smoke is pretty black.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Shikuka at 127,44

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 25

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

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

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

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BC Repulse
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

The best strikes of the day though come from LBA Frances hitting the old ladies. Mississippi and New Mexico are hit with crushing blows from seven torpedoes between them.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shikuka at 127,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 18
Ki-43-IV Oscar x 44

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 13 damaged
P1Y2 Frances: 2 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x P1Y2 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

Finally the KB shows a bit more skill, and in another attack on the USN deals some heavy blows to CA Baltimore, Repulse, and a number of DDs.

The Frances also keep coming and finish off the old BBs. Nice.
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shikuka at 127,44

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N2 Jill x 20
B7A2 Grace x 20
D4Y1 Judy x 19
D4Y3 Judy x 40
D4Y4 Judy x 67

Japanese aircraft losses
B7A2 Grace: 4 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 5 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 3 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 3 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Baltimore, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
BC Repulse, Bomb hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Abbot
DD Hopewell, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Warramunga, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Strong
DD Yarnall, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
DD Isaac Sweers, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Fletcher, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Monaghan, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Stuart, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hale

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shikuka at 127,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 18
Ki-43-IV Oscar x 49

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 12 damaged
P1Y2 Frances: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Nashville
DD Prichett

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P1Y2 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Magazine explodes on BB New Mexico

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

[obvert]

Massive sweeps and some bombing runs also hit Shikuka. Luckily, many of my Helens don't fly. The bombardments didn't go, the CAP is up, and I lose about 150 fighters and 120 Peggy (T) bombers. Yuck.

Then, at the end of the turn, just before the ship repair and production phase and all of that, suddenly a welcome sight appears ...

... having appeared last, and rolled in untouched, the Hiei and Kongo deliver a crushing bombardment.

[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naval bombardment of Shikuka at 126,43

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 28 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 9 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 23 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
B-29-1 Superfort: 76 damaged
B-29-1 Superfort: 9 destroyed on ground
P-38L Lightning: 10 damaged
P-38L Lightning: 3 destroyed on ground
F6F-3N Hellcat: 5 damaged
F6F-3N Hellcat: 2 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1A Corsair: 19 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 8 destroyed on ground
Liberator GR.VI: 15 damaged
Liberator GR.VI: 3 destroyed on ground
P-61A Black Widow: 3 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed on ground
F4U-1D Corsair: 5 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 4 damaged
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed on ground
Avenger II: 1 destroyed on ground
Liberator B.VI: 11 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 1 destroyed on ground
F-5E Lightning: 1 damaged
F-5E Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 4 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 2 destroyed on ground
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38J Lightning: 5 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed on ground
Liberator B.III: 2 damaged
Liberator B.III: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25H Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
302 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 25 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 6 (3 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 31 (8 destroyed, 23 disabled)

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 53

BB Hiei firing at Shikuka
BB Kongo firing at Shikuka

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

[Lowpe]

Ha, ha. Allies can't rail those planes away.

[obvert]

Then Mutsu, Yamashiro and Fuso pile on some more misery. [8D][&o]
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naval bombardment of Shikuka at 126,43

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 6 damaged
P-39N1 Airacobra: 3 destroyed on ground
F4U-1A Corsair: 48 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 12 destroyed on ground
Liberator B.III: 10 damaged
Liberator B.III: 2 destroyed on ground
B-24J Liberator: 65 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 7 destroyed on ground
B-29-1 Superfort: 141 damaged
B-29-1 Superfort: 20 destroyed on ground
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 23 damaged
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 7 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 16 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 7 destroyed on ground
Corsair II: 7 damaged
Corsair II: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 13 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 34 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 destroyed on ground
P-61A Black Widow: 7 damaged
P-61A Black Widow: 2 destroyed on ground
P-38L Lightning: 26 damaged
P-38L Lightning: 3 destroyed on ground
PV-1 Ventura: 2 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed on ground
Liberator GR.VI: 13 damaged
Liberator GR.VI: 2 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38J Lightning: 20 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 5 destroyed on ground
F6F-3N Hellcat: 2 damaged
F6F-3N Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground
Liberator B.VI: 2 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 2 destroyed on ground
P-51B Mustang: 2 destroyed on ground
F-7A Liberator: 5 damaged
F-7A Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5A Catalina: 5 damaged
PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
B-25H Mitchell: 5 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 destroyed on ground
B-24D1 Liberator: 7 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
F-5E Lightning: 5 damaged
F-5E Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
Spitfire VIII: 2 damaged
Spitfire VIII: 2 destroyed on ground
F4U-1D Corsair: 2 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
PBM-3D Mariner: 2 damaged
PBM-3D Mariner: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu
DD Murasame
DD Asashio
DD Nowaki
DD Urakaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Isokaze
DD Shimakaze

Allied ground losses:
402 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 15 (4 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 22 (15 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Airbase hits 45
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 51

BB Yamashiro firing at Shikuka
BB Fuso firing at Shikuka
BB Mutsu firing at Shikuka
DD Murasame firing at Shikuka
DD Asashio firing at Shikuka
DD Nowaki firing at Shikuka
DD Urakaze firing at Shikuka
DD Amatsukaze firing at Shikuka
DD Isokaze firing at Shikuka
DD Shimakaze firing at Shikuka
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Ha, ha. Allies can't rail those planes away.

Well, no. Not yet anyway. I also landed small unit by APD on the rail to Toyohara, just in case. Of course I found an Allied unit there when I did!!

But tomorrow should be safe at least, so no shell game while the runways repair for now.

[obvert]

Tanaka then turns his flagship to broadside and brings the biggest guns in the fight to bear ...
[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]
[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naval bombardment of Shikuka at 126,43 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-25H Mitchell: 14 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 3 destroyed on ground
TBM-1C Avenger: 18 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 4 destroyed on ground
Liberator GR.VI: 4 damaged
Liberator GR.VI: 2 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 21 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 3 destroyed on ground
B-29-1 Superfort: 110 damaged
B-29-1 Superfort: 23 destroyed on ground
B-24J Liberator: 52 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 13 destroyed on ground
P-38J Lightning: 34 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 6 destroyed on ground
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 53 damaged
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 11 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 24 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed on ground
P-61A Black Widow: 14 damaged
P-61A Black Widow: 4 destroyed on ground
Corsair II: 1 damaged
Corsair II: 1 destroyed on ground
Liberator B.VI: 11 damaged
Liberator B.VI: 2 destroyed on ground
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 2 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1A Corsair: 91 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 20 destroyed on ground
F-5E Lightning: 13 damaged
F-5E Lightning: 2 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 3 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 3 destroyed on ground
PBM-3D Mariner: 8 damaged
PBM-3D Mariner: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 6 damaged
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
P-51B Mustang: 6 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 5 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
PV-1 Ventura: 2 damaged
PV-1 Ventura: 1 destroyed on ground
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged
F-5A Lightning: 9 damaged
F-5A Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5A Catalina: 10 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
Liberator B.III: 3 damaged
P-38L Lightning: 12 damaged
P-38L Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
Spitfire VIII: 8 damaged
Spitfire VIII: 2 destroyed on ground
F6F-3N Hellcat: 3 damaged
P-39N1 Airacobra: 3 damaged
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
F-7A Liberator: 1 damaged
F-7A Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise, Shell hits 1
BB Yamato
BB Nagato
DD Kasumi
DD Arashio
DD Tanikaze
DD Hatsukaze
DD Tamanami
DD Makinami
DD Makigumo
DD Kazegumo

Allied ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 9 (5 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 28 (15 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 69

BB Hyuga firing at Shikuka
BB Ise firing at 57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at BB Ise
BB Yamato firing at Shikuka
BB Nagato firing at Shikuka
DD Kasumi firing at Shikuka
DD Arashio firing at Shikuka
DD Tanikaze firing at Shikuka
DD Hatsukaze firing at Shikuka
DD Tamanami firing at Shikuka
DD Makinami firing at Shikuka
DD Makigumo firing at Shikuka
DD Kazegumo firing at Shikuka
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/color][/font]

[obvert]

Dan now has the replay and turn. I didn't want to tip him off something was up until I'd finished the next turn, and sent it all together as normal. I wouldn't bet against a sync bug with so much action and I hope with the combat report and turn file he can put the pieces together about what actually happened.

This was the most intense replay I've watched in AE. My nerves are shot.

To wait until the last few moment for the bombardments, which are the only reason all of those ships and planes went in there at all, it was both excruciating and exhilarating in the end.

The next turn may be almost as tense. What will Dan do?

The Astoria and Santa Fe are still untouched, several DD TFs are still in fighting shape, and I'm guessing around 50 more DE/PF are sitting in Shikuka port. There are also at lease 50 subs there, and my hope is that they're all in pier side mode. All of my BBs are in Shikuka hex, and if he unleashes those subs, it could be rough.

There are at least 7,000 VP of ships in Shikuka port. That is a low estimate. What will he do if the fields are indeed closed?

[obvert]

Are the fields closed? I would have said so without a doubt seeing the reports from those bombardments. The rollover only shows 66 damage though, and I know there are a LOT of engineers here.

I've decided to send in all of the 300 Helens, knowing I'll lose 25% or more to flak. I've also set 60 bombers to hit the ports, just to see what they can do. All of them are at 10k. The Kb will split, and the fast CVs head North around Sakhalin in case he unleashes the hordes and tries to make a break for it with 600 single ship TFs.

I've also set DBs and TBs all along the Kuriles, the Frances fro Sapporo and a few more DBs and TBs from Hokkaido for good measure.

Last turn I lost a lot of KB A6M8 that were LR CAPing at Shikuka. That did save the majority of the sweepers though, and they're all set to go for this turn. Even if CAP is up, they should be lower in number and low in morale for sure.

Overall rollover numbers haven't gone down as far as I'd have thought, though.

[obvert]

Here are the info screens between he two days. I'll have to grab the air losses tomorrow in detail. Forgot to get that earlier.

Off to bed here. Whew.