Getting Bottlenecked: SierraJuliet (J) vs Mundy (A)

[Mundy]

08 Sep 1942

Minefield at Milne paid off, sort of.

TF 220 encounters mine field at Milne Bay (101,133)

Japanese Ships
SC Ch-16, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

An S boat in the area adds another. This one sounds to have sunk.

Sub attack near Normanby Island at 103,133

Japanese Ships
xAK Yomei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-45~

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

xAK Yomei Maru is sighted by SS S-45~
SS S-45~ launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yomei Maru

One of the fighter squadrons at Moresby converted to P-38Fs a few days ago, so that'll be some reach. I may give a Rabaul sweep a try. I can't wait until the Jugs come in wholesale.

At Pearl last turn, I managed to drain the replenishment squadron of SBDs on the CVE to my fleet carriers, so numbers there are up some.

I'm getting to transfer Valiant to the States. Having her in drydock at Pearl slows down my ship cycling through the repair screen.

My troops in Burma are all moving to the hex SE of Pegu. I'm starting a big offensive south down the coast. Most are there already and the rest should be there within 2 days or so. I probably have 4x the troop count that Moulmein has.

[Mundy]

10 September 1942

Hit another ship.

Sub attack near Milne Bay at 101,133

Japanese Ships
xAKL Boko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Nihonka Maru
xAK Meigen Maru
xAK Daihachikyo Maru
xAKL Konsan Maru
PB Manyo Maru
PB Kinsyo Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS O19*

SS O19* launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Boko Maru
PB Manyo Maru fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Kinsyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kinsyo Maru #2 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Assault ships are about ready to depart Wotje. One or two motorized supports on each unit... always the slowest to load. These troops are prepping for Ponape. Some others at Pearl are already at 100%. I have more troops prepped for Kusaie also. I plan to take them both together when the time comes. I can probably count on Truk trying to interfere with Ponape, so I'll need my carriers along. All my US carriers are due for an upgrade in October. All of them are swapping their 1.1" guns for 40mm ones. It looks to be a 21 day deal, so I'll kick off my invasion once the carriers are ready. I should be fully stocked with SBDs by then also, in case IJN carriers show up.

I have a bunch of heavy bomber squadrons at Eniwetok, and I'm waiting to kick them off. I want to smack the port at Truk with them and hopefully catch a bunch of high value ships there. One of those squadrons recently flipped to B-17Fs, so that's what I'm waiting for. I want to do this well before the Ponape invasion.

I plan to forward stock troops at Ponape and Kusaie, as they can hold 30,000 troops each. Marianas will be next from there, but unless a bunch of his carriers die in the near future, I'll be waiting for some Essexes to show up first.

[BBfanboy]

I think the B-17F has a shorter range than the -E model. That might affect your raid on Truk.

Any idea why your combat reports shows an asterisk on O19? I haven't seen that before.

[Mundy]

Per LST's notes, that sub is able to carry mines. Ships with a '~' after the name are withdrawn at some point.

[Mundy]

13 September 1942

New visitors.

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 20
P-38F Lightning x 8
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Raid is overhead
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Raid is overhead
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 99 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 18
P-38F Lightning x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
No.76 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-38F Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
49th FG/8th FS with P-40E Warhawk (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-39D Airacobra (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

So much for that.

Surcouf busy off Kyushu.

Submarine attack near Tokara Retto at 100,62

Japanese Ships
xAKL P-74, Shell hits 2, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Surcouf

xAKL P-74 is sighted by SS Surcouf
SS Surcouf attacking xAKL P-74 on the surface

I'm finally caught up on my ship withdrawals. I'm making an effort to stay more on top of this. A never ending stream, it seems. The minute you overlook it, something is due.

[Mundy]

22 September 1942

Truk get's her long earned visit.

Afternoon Air attack on Truk , at 112,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 17
B-24D Liberator x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
SS RO-65, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
SS RO-64, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage
AV Kamoi, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
SS RO-62, Bomb hits 1
SS I-1, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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

Afternoon Air attack on Truk , at 112,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
SS I-23^, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS RO-64, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

I was hoping to find some big ships there, but I did wallop a bunch of subs. KB will have to think hard about parking there from here on out.

Reconning Moulmein, he's noticed my troops on the move and has pulled out. It appears he has less than 1,000 troops in the area. With this knowledge, I'm kicking off my offensive down the Malay peninsula. Bunches more troops in India, guarding the southern coast are moving to gather at Calcutta, where I can also ship them over. 10th USAAF is also going to be enroute and I'll be beefing my air count up, once I take Moulmein and other bases.

Steve seems to be in full "circle the wagons" mode here. There's been no movement in the DEI past the Celebes and Java, so that's opening up the possibility of a big thrust up that ways. The only hitch is that I don't have the shipping to do everything I want at once. Retaking and building up the Celebes could really mess with his fuel shipments, in addition to basing subs there.

I'm treading lightly, as I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I seem to have lots of choices of where to go here. Retaking Singapore could make the RN relevant again.

I have well over 100 xAKs at San Francisco, which is way more than enough to keep Pearl supplied. Fuel and supplies are pushing three quarters of a million now, with more enroute. I'll be transferring a bunch to Pearl to help with keeping bases supplied. I'll definitely need them when I take the Marianas.

Tojos have been sweeping Liuchow, shooting down P-40s and P-43s. I meant to stand them down but forgot.

[BBfanboy]

A raid on Truk in 1942! Congrats on getting position to do that, and on the haul of subs. By far the fastest way to dispose of those pests in the game. [:)].
SJ will be kicking himself for not having any fighters there! Now he will have to spread them thinner elsewhere.

[zuluhour]

+1 Ed.

[Mundy]

Thanks, guys. I did a follow up raid about a week or so ago, with indifferent results. One sub hit. He's since moved fighters (Tojos) there. One less squadron on the front, I suppose.

11 October 1942

The dash-4 Dauntless is in production at 80 a month. Over 20 in the pool now. My carriers are all undergoing refit and are tied up for the next 19 days, but once they're out, I can probably upgrade a couple squadrons and use what goes in the pool to refresh the rest. A big convoy of troop transports from Cape Town in enroute to Pearl, having left Panama and should arrive within the next two weeks. More offensive options when they arrive. More on that later.

Things have gotten very messy in the Rangoon/Moulmein area. My troops made it to Thanbyuzayat where he had a ton of troops. It came down to one division and lots of flak, but that one division had badly beaten off my attacks there, despite a 5-1 advantage on my part. Since then, he's brought up cruisers which have beaten up my transports there and has also landed troops in Moulmein, in my backfield. My troops have turned around to go back to Moulmein. Everything's a mess right now. Blenheims have been ineffective against his ships. I've just moved in some B-25 squadrons to Pegu to help. I've also converted some squadrons to Vengeances. While I was at it, most of the RAF fighter squadrons went to the cannon armed IIc version of the Hurricane. I've brought down my cruisers to help on my end, and they did "okay", but took their own losses. I did lose CA Hawkins

Day Time Surface Combat, near Bassein at 51,52, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Shell hits 26, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Michishio, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Nenohi, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart, Shell hits 5
CL Enterprise~
DD Nepal, Shell hits 1
DD Van Galen, Shell hits 3

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
Tawara, Yoshioki crosses the 'T'
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 5,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Nenohi at 5,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 5,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Nenohi at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Naka at 4,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages CL Naka at 4,000 yards
CL Hobart engages DD Michishio at 4,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Van Galen at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise~ at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 9,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages CL Naka at 9,000 yards
CL Hobart engages DD Michishio at 9,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 9,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Nenohi at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 12,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise~ at 12,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Van Galen at 12,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 12,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Nepal at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 14,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 14,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Nepal at 14,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Nepal at 14,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 14,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Nenohi at 14,000 yards
CL Hobart engages DD Michishio at 14,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Nepal at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages CL Naka at 15,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CL Naka at 15,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Michishio at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 13,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 13,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Van Galen at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Naka at 11,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages DD Nenohi at 11,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 11,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 11,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Nepal at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Naka at 8,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise~ at 8,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 8,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Nenohi at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 11,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Nenohi at 11,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Michishio at 11,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Nenohi at 11,000 yards
Tawara, Yoshioki orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 10,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Enterprise~ at 10,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CL Naka at 10,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 7,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 7,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 7,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Naka at 7,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages CL Naka at 7,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Michishio at 7,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Michishio at 7,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 7,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Hobart at 7,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Michishio at 7,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Nepal at 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Rangoon at 51,54, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Naka, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
CL Oi, Shell hits 26, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Michishio
DD Nenohi, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CA Hawkins~, Shell hits 23, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
CL Hobart
CL Enterprise~
CL Birmingham~
DD Nepal
DD Van Galen, Shell hits 1
DD Arrow
DD Fortune~
DD Griffin~

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 0% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Farley H. crosses the 'T'
CA Hawkins~ engages CL Oi at 1,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CA Exeter at 1,000 yards
CA Hawkins~ engages CL Naka at 1,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages CA Hawkins~ at 1,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Michishio at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Hawkins~ at 2,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CA Hawkins~ at 2,000 yards
CL Oi engages CL Birmingham~ at 2,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CL Oi at 2,000 yards
CL Oi engages CA Hawkins~ at 2,000 yards
CL Oi sunk by CA Exeter at 2,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Nenohi at 2,000 yards
DD Fortune~ engages DD Michishio at 2,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Nenohi at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Hawkins~ sunk by CL Kitakami at 3,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Kitakami at 3,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CL Birmingham~ at 3,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Michishio at 3,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Griffin~ at 3,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CA Exeter at 3,000 yards
CL Birmingham~ engages CL Kitakami at 3,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CL Enterprise~ at 3,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CL Hobart at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CL Kitakami at 5,000 yards
DD Nenohi engages DD Van Galen at 5,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Nepal at 5,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CA Exeter at 5,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CL Birmingham~ at 5,000 yards
CL Kitakami engages CL Enterprise~ at 5,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Nepal at 5,000 yards
DD Michishio engages DD Arrow at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Kitakami sunk by CL Birmingham~ at 6,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages DD Nenohi at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CA Exeter at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Birmingham~ at 6,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages DD Michishio at 6,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Michishio at 6,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Rangoon at 51,55, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 1
DD Shinonome, Shell hits 1
DD Ayanami
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1
CL Enterprise~, Shell hits 2
CL Birmingham~, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Nepal, Shell hits 1
DD Van Galen, Shell hits 1
DD Arrow
DD Fortune~
DD Griffin~, Shell hits 2, on fire

Low visibility due to Thunderstorms with 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 0% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Gordon, O L crosses the 'T'
CA Suzuya engages CL Birmingham~ at 1,000 yards
CL Birmingham~ engages CA Suzuya at 1,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages DD Sazanami at 1,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 1,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Griffin~ at 1,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Griffin~ at 1,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Van Galen at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Enterprise~ at 2,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Enterprise~ at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Van Galen at 2,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Griffin~ at 2,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Van Galen at 2,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Fubuki at 2,000 yards
Masuyama L. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 6,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Birmingham~ at 6,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Sazanami at 6,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Shinonome at 6,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Nepal at 6,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Shinonome at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 7,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Birmingham~ at 7,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages DD Sazanami at 7,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Hobart at 7,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Griffin~ at 7,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Fubuki at 7,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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

Day Time Surface Combat, near Rangoon at 51,55, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Shinonome, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Ayanami
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
CL Hobart
CL Enterprise~
CL Birmingham~, Shell hits 1
DD Nepal
DD Van Galen
DD Arrow
DD Fortune~
DD Griffin~, Shell hits 1

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 7,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
CL Birmingham~ engages CA Suzuya at 7,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Birmingham~ at 7,000 yards
CL Birmingham~ engages DD Sazanami at 7,000 yards
CL Hobart engages CA Mogami at 7,000 yards
DD Griffin~ engages DD Fubuki at 7,000 yards
DD Arrow engages DD Shinonome at 7,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Shinonome at 7,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Birmingham~ at 7,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Ayanami at 7,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Griffin~ at 7,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Fortune~ at 7,000 yards
DD Arrow engages DD Shinonome at 7,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Van Galen at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Exeter at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CA Exeter at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Hobart at 10,000 yards
DD Griffin~ engages DD Fubuki at 10,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Van Galen at 10,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Van Galen at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CA Suzuya at 13,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Birmingham~ at 13,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages CA Mogami at 13,000 yards
DD Arrow engages DD Ayanami at 13,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Van Galen at 13,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Fubuki at 13,000 yards
DD Arrow engages DD Shinonome at 13,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Van Galen at 13,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Fubuki at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CA Suzuya at 17,000 yards
CL Birmingham~ engages CA Suzuya at 17,000 yards
DD Griffin~ engages DD Sazanami at 17,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DD Griffin~ at 17,000 yards
DD Arrow engages DD Shinonome at 17,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Shinonome at 17,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Fubuki at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CA Exeter engages CA Suzuya at 18,000 yards
CL Birmingham~ engages CA Mogami at 18,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages CA Mogami at 18,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Hobart at 18,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Fortune~ at 18,000 yards
DD Arrow engages DD Fubuki at 18,000 yards
DD Van Galen engages DD Shinonome at 18,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages DD Nepal at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CA Exeter at 20,000 yards
CA Mogami engages CL Birmingham~ at 20,000 yards
CL Enterprise~ engages DD Sazanami at 20,000 yards
CA Exeter engages DD Ayanami at 20,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Griffin~ at 20,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Fortune~ at 20,000 yards
CA Mogami engages DD Nepal at 20,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Some of his hits on my transports.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Rangoon at 53,55, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
CA Suzuya
DD Fubuki
DD Shinonome
DD Ayanami
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
xAP Devonshire
xAP Dilwara, Shell hits 27, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Rohna, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Khandalla, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Santhia, Shell hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Zealandia, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Marella
xAK Clan Alpine
xAK Filleigh
xAK Nirpura
xAK Nirvana
xAK John Lykes, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAK Ombilin

Poor visibility due to Thunderstorms with 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 0% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 3,000 yards...
Range closes to 2,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 2,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 2,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence
CA Mogami launches Long Lance Torpedoes at xAP Zealandia at 2,000 yards
DD Sazanami fires at xAP Santhia at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami fires at xAP Khandalla at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami fires at xAP Rohna at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami fires at xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAP Santhia at 2,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAP Khandalla at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages xAP Rohna at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages xAP Zealandia at 2,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
CA Mogami engages xAP Santhia at 2,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAP Khandalla at 2,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAP Dilwara at 2,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAK John Lykes at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Mogami engages xAP Dilwara at 3,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAP Khandalla at 3,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages xAP Dilwara at 3,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Moulmein at 54,55, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CL Nagara, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Ushio, Shell hits 5, heavy fires

Allied Ships
DD Norman, Shell hits 16, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
AMC Westralia, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Jaladuta
xAK Jalajaran, Shell hits 4
xAK Empire Kumari
xAKL Kalarand
xAK Mundra
xAK Empire Tugela
xAK Empire Kohinoor
xAK Lulworth Hill
xAK Shirala
xAK Steaua Romania
xAK Testbank
xAK Uffington Court
xAKL Jalatarang
xAP Australia Star, Shell hits 1
xAP Idomeneus
xAKL Agnes, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Anatina, Shell hits 2
xAKL Mabella
xAKL Bust
xAKL Hermelin, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Boschfontein
xAP Kota Tjandi~, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Camphuys
xAP Le Maire
xAP Stagen
xAP +Tasman
xAP Tanimbar, Shell hits 5
xAP Koolinda, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Montoro, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Koolama, Shell hits 20, on fire
xAK Van Heutsz
xAK Tjibesar, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAKL Musi
xAK Apory
xAK Seistan
xAK Siang Wo, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Saaid
xAKL Dah Puh, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Dai Dah
xAKL Graciosa
xAKL Lindinha
xAKL Margaret
xAKL Nyoughla

Allied ground losses:
6796 casualties reported
Squads: 204 destroyed, 78 disabled
Non Combat: 278 destroyed, 143 disabled
Engineers: 23 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 81 (53 destroyed, 28 disabled)
Vehicles lost 54 (40 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 4,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 4,000 yards
Hirata, Noboru crosses the 'T'
DD Tjerk Hiddes engages DD Ushio at 4,000 yards
DD Norman engages DD Ushio at 4,000 yards
DD Ushio engages AMC Westralia at 4,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Koolama at 4,000 yards
CL Nagara engages AMC Westralia at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages AMC Westralia at 4,000 yards
DD Ushio engages AMC Westralia at 4,000 yards
DD Norman engages DD Shirakumo at 4,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAKL Hermelin at 4,000 yards
AMC Westralia sunk by CL Nagara at 4,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 4,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 4,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Kota Tjandi~ at 4,000 yards
xAKL Dah Puh collides with xAK Testbank at 54 , 55
CL Nagara engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 4,000 yards
DD Norman engages DD Ushio at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAP Montoro at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 2,000 yards
xAP Montoro sunk by CL Sendai at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Koolama at 2,000 yards
xAK Siang Wo sunk by DD Shirakumo at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAK Jalajaran at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Koolama at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Koolinda at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAP Kota Tjandi~ at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAKL Dah Puh at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Koolinda at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAKL Dah Puh at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAKL Agnes at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 3,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Norman at 3,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 3,000 yards
DD Tjerk Hiddes engages DD Shirakumo at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Tjerk Hiddes at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Koolinda at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Norman at 3,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Koolama at 3,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 3,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAK Tjibesar at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAP Koolama at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAK Anatina at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Koolama at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Koolinda at 2,000 yards
Hirata, Noboru orders Japanese TF to disengage
CL Nagara engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Koolinda at 2,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Tanimbar at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Norman engages DD Shirakumo at 7,000 yards
DD Ushio engages xAP Koolinda at 7,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Tanimbar at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
xAP Boschfontein collides with xAK Lulworth Hill at 54 , 55
DD Shirakumo engages DD Norman at 11,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages xAP Koolama at 11,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Norman at 11,000 yards
DD Shirakumo engages DD Norman at 11,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAP Australia Star at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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

Day Time Surface Combat, near Moulmein at 54,55, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Norman, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
xAK Jaladuta
xAK Jalajaran
xAK Empire Kumari
xAKL Kalarand
xAK Mundra, Shell hits 1
xAK Empire Tugela
xAK Empire Kohinoor
xAK Lulworth Hill
xAK Shirala
xAK Steaua Romania
xAK Testbank
xAK Uffington Court
xAKL Jalatarang, Shell hits 1
xAP Australia Star, on fire
xAP Idomeneus
xAKL Agnes, heavy fires
xAK Anatina
xAKL Mabella, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAKL Bust
xAKL Hermelin, and is sunk
xAP Boschfontein, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAP Camphuys
xAP Le Maire
xAP Stagen
xAP +Tasman
xAP Tanimbar, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
xAP Koolinda, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
xAP Koolama, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Van Heutsz
xAK Tjibesar, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Musi
xAK Apory
xAK Seistan
xAKL Saaid
xAKL Dah Puh, and is sunk
xAKL Dai Dah
xAKL Graciosa
xAKL Lindinha
xAKL Margaret
xAKL Nyoughla, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
6768 casualties reported
Squads: 294 destroyed, 92 disabled
Non Combat: 138 destroyed, 84 disabled
Engineers: 40 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 113 (88 destroyed, 25 disabled)
Vehicles lost 24 (13 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 4,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 15,000 yards...
Range closes to 13,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 4,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 4,000 yards
CL Nagara launches Long Lance Torpedoes at DD Norman at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai launches Long Lance Torpedoes at xAP Koolama at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Norman at 3,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Norman at 3,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAK Tjibesar at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Norman at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Norman at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Norman sunk by CL Nagara at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAP Koolinda at 2,000 yards
xAP Koolinda sunk by CL Nagara at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAP Tanimbar at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAP Boschfontein at 3,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAP Tanimbar at 2,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAKL Saaid at 2,000 yards
Hirata, Noboru orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAP Tanimbar at 4,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAKL Nyoughla at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAKL Mabella at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAKL Jalatarang at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAP Tanimbar at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAK Mundra at 9,000 yards
CL Nagara engages xAK Jaladuta at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages xAKL Mabella at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...

With him focused so much in the Burma and Milne Bay areas, I'm highly tempted to kick off a Marianas invasion once my carriers get their upgrades. I'd take Guam, Tinian and Saipan all in one swoop. Doing so would complicate his supply situation from Truk on south -- especially if I get stuff like B-25s up and running. I'd need to be sure to get tons of supply and support forces all brought in with the initial invasion. I figure my carriers will be tied up awhile escorting follow-on supply convoys. I am down one carrier, as I've withdrawn my last Royal Navy CV, but I do have all the USN ones. He has also lost at least two fleet carriers, which I have credit for, including Kaga. I highly suspect either Hiryu or Soryu is dead, as I did leave one of them badly damaged with heavy fires. One of the 'Kakus may still be out of action from damage.

[Mundy]

30 October 1942

Dropped off the page, I see.

Things went south in a hurry near Burma. My massive infantry stack trekked south past Moulmein and met higher resistance than recon indicated. I started pulling back and his troops also moved. The end result is that my troops are trapped in Moulmein with no way out.

On top of this, he now has a strong carrier presence and is intercepting my supply convoys to Rangoon. I'd say it's least a 1/2 KB presence. Four battleships, including Yamato are also present.

The rest of the world is going along quietly.

This has pretty much convinced me to launch my Marianas campaign as soon as practicable. I'm waiting for a bunch of ships to assemble yet at Pearl. In the initial push, I want to be able to place lots and lots of planes on Guam, Saipan and Tinian, lots of support troops and at least 100,000 in supply. I'm hoping I have enough people transports for the job. I should be able to assign 4 battleships to each invasion group. All 5 USN carriers are now restocked in dive bombers, so I'm good there. If his fleet is committed to Burma, this is as good a time as any to kick this off. My carriers will probably be busy after this escorting further convoys in and out of the area. I want to get the troops prepped a bit more also.

[Mundy]

01 Nov 1942

Guys in Burma still under siege. I've probably lost them all. If/when they go, Burma's pretty much gift-wrapped for him and I'll have to worry about India again. Fortunately, lots of heavy bomber squadrons are inbound. Time to develop more bases in East India. I'm already starting to pull airplanes out. Once they're clear, everyone can trek overland back to India and build up the east.

Looking at how he's completely neglected the DEI, I'm loading up an amphibious group destined for Waingapoe, between Timor and Java. I can develop it into a good size airfield. I can probably get it built up without him even knowing. A USA infantry regiment and some base/construction forces will be enroute. I can eventually move some B-17 squadrons in and some oil raids on Soerabaja will definitely get his attention. Troop transport in Australia is pretty thin right now (as it is everywhere), but I can probably make a slow push from the south. I'll move plenty of fighters in also to help defend it. Maybe Dauntless and such to mess with oil shipping. Causing trouble here while also moving in on the Marianas can only help things.

[BBfanboy]

Instead of Dauntlesses which you may need for your carriers, I suggest using the Vindicators. Longer range on transfer and longer range on strike.

[Mundy]

I'm more confined by fighter range, as I don't want them to go in unescorted.

SB2U pool is pretty down at this point. I used them heavily at Port Moresby.

Three months before my F4U pool fills up enough to equip a squadron.

[Mundy]

13 Nov 1942

My stack of forces in Burma are getting ground down. He's been bombarding the last 4 days and was attacking the 5 before that. They're not holding up well. I'm hoping most of them can respawn at some point.

Elsewhere, My troops bound for Waingapoe should arrive within a week. If I can build up that base quickly, I can start a bombing campaign against Soerabaja. B-17s and B-24s are staging within reach.

At Pearl, My Marianas invasion is loading up. I should have more than enough troops to take the islands and more than enough to get the bases to a high level. Large amounts of aircraft will also ship over. Each of the three islands should also have over 100k in supply also.

If he's committing heavily to Burma, I can make trouble elsewhere.

[Mundy]

My gut feeling is that Stevie is taking lots of shortcuts running the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

He hasn't touched the whole eastern half of the DEI.

We'll find out how well his bases are protected.

Motto of Bottleneck: "More Toys, slower pace". I'm blowing that out of the water.

[Mundy]

14 Nov 1942

Invasion convoy is loaded and will depart next turn. I'm estimating 2.5 - 3.5 week transit time. 3 BBs, 3 CAs and 2 CLs are with each invasion force. Washington and North Carolina will be out of the yard next turn and will each accompany a CV TF, bringing two battleships with each. More bait for any bombers. A minesweeping group will accompany each group. Normally, I also attach an ASW group to each force also, but it's probably overkill and everyone else is well escorted. I almost never send a bombardment group with invaders. Battleships embedded with the invaders seem to deal out more pain there than if separate. I can always pull them out later for a follow-on bombardment if needed. More hard targets for enemy bombers, if needed. If his search practices are as sloppy as I suspect, he won't know what's happening until it happens. Otherwise, I simply have too many carriers covering anyway. 4 CVEs are in their own group solely providing fighter cover. I'll keep everyone training until I pass the Marshalls -- maybe earlier.

As mentioned, his carrier strength seems to be covering Burma, so I'm not expecting much seaborn resistance. It's half tempting to send them to Luzon, but these bases need to go.

Japanese attacked at Moulmein again, getting 2-1 odds. Probably won't be long. The last of my aircraft in Burma have departed for India and all support forces are moving north to cross the border.

Such high hopes flipped on its head there...

My convoy enroute to Whaingapoe encountered a sub off the east coast of Timor. Hopefully, he thinks I'm reinforcing there. I may have one of my subs in the area follow the convoy to maybe catch his subs.

[Mundy]

15 Nov 1942

When things go wrong...

My expedition to Waingapoe came to a fiery end. A KB sized carrier group showed up east of Java and proceeded to do nothing but sink ships. Not sure why they were in the area to begin with. Seems an odd place to park them, unless he was expecting an offensive here eventually.

This hurts, as Australian transport is at a premium to begin with. They're heading to Darwin, but I'm not hopeful.

Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, it seems.

If KB stays away from the Marianas, I'll be happy.

[LargeSlowTarget]

ORIGINAL: Mundy
Motto of Bottleneck: "More Toys, slower pace". I'm blowing that out of the water.

It appears that it is your invasion force which has gotten blown out of the water [:D]

[Mundy]

The other one won't be so vulnerable. Technically, it wasn't an invasion force, as that island was still mine. [:)]

He didn't continue with the air attacks this turn. Not that there's much left.

[Mundy]

Stuff's moving slowly. Invasion force nearing the Marshalls.

One tidbit I noticed... F4Fs now carry tanks, so I can now make better use of the range of SBD and TBFs.