Sardaukar's another Newbie Campaign 3rd take)

[Sardaukar]

Dec 20-30 1943

CVE Battler has bad introduction to SE Asia combat...

Land connection with China has been established!

Australians at the gates of Singapore!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 29, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Cochin at 26,41

Japanese Ships
SS I-20

Allied Ships
CVE Battler, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Quilliam
DD Queensborough

SS I-20 launches 6 torpedoes at CVE Battler
DD Quilliam fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Queensborough fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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

Ground combat at Johore Bahru (50,83)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 34953 troops, 433 guns, 584 vehicles, Assault Value = 2124

Defending force 5755 troops, 0 guns, 31 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied adjusted assault: 691

Japanese adjusted defense: 45

Allied assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Johore Bahru !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
2227 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 106 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 28 (28 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Allied ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
46th Indian Brigade
7th Australian Division
111th Chindit Brigade
77th Chindit Brigade
45th Indian Brigade
6th Australian Division
23rd Chindit Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade
17th Indian Division

Defending units:
12th Garrison Unit
22nd Air Flotilla
5th Air Division
2nd Shipping Engineer Regiment

[Sardaukar]

Since it is now official Kamikaze season, Jan 2 1944, here is the situation.

Land route from Indochina to South China has been opened. That almost immediately alleviated South and Central China supply problems. I'll still continue airlift from Ledo to Chengtu, since op losses of transport planes are low, to give some extra. Extra troops AI got when invading Indochina apparently arrived to Hanoi as RTA divisions (?). They got smashed pretty easily and all the area is mine now.

[Sardaukar]

Australians, assorted Indians and Brits are invading Singapore, they are crossing there in Combat mode. Takes bit more time but lowers casualties, since it'll be a shock attack. Unfortunately all my tanks are still in north. Hoping to remove pesky IJA troops from rails, so I can strat move them to Johore Bahru.

[Sardaukar]

Score:

[Sardaukar]

Next will be Op Hongkong.

[Sardaukar]

You can walk on periscopes from Kyushu to Hokkaido without wetting your shoes...

[Sardaukar]

Jan 2-3 1944.

Not the best of turns....

Lost a sub and will be combat-ineffective few turns in Singapore. on the other hand, Tarawa is now ours. Most of 4th Mar Div didn't even get ashore before 4 tank bns smashed Japanese forces.

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

Sub attack near Aogashima at 113,66

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
DD Kazegumo
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Michishio
DD Oshio

Allied Ships
SS Pompano, hits 17, and is sunk

SS Pompano launches 6 torpedoes at CV Junyo
DD Hatsuyuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Michishio attacking submerged sub ....
DD Oshio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Michishio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Oshio attacking submerged sub ....
SS Pompano forced to surface!
DD Oshio firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hatsuyuki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Michishio firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hatsuyuki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hatsuyuki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Michishio firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

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

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 58212 troops, 767 guns, 987 vehicles, Assault Value = 2111

Defending force 24624 troops, 217 guns, 551 vehicles, Assault Value = 769

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied adjusted assault: 1575

Japanese adjusted defense: 1327

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
1381 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 68 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 28 (5 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Vehicles lost 42 (9 destroyed, 33 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
7852 casualties reported
Squads: 319 destroyed, 348 disabled
Non Combat: 126 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 25 destroyed, 36 disabled
Guns lost 95 (24 destroyed, 71 disabled)
Vehicles lost 59 (50 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
46th Indian Brigade
23rd Chindit Brigade
6th Australian Division
111th Chindit Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade
7th Australian Division
77th Chindit Brigade
45th Indian Brigade
17th Indian Division

Defending units:
79th Garrison Battalion
3rd INA Azad Regiment
1st Mobile Engineer Regiment
2nd INA Gandhi Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
1st INA Subhas Regiment
1st Recon Battalion
4th INA Nehru Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
12th Garrison Unit
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
Shanghai SNLF
80th Garrison Battalion
1st Mobile AA Battalion
5th Air Division
2nd Shipping Engineer Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
22nd Air Flotilla
15th Const Co
34th Road Const Co
93rd JAAF AF Bn

[Sardaukar]

Damn! Now things got interesting, my search planes from Midway spotted apparent Kido Butai, 3 TFs, all with multiple CVs. Heading to SE, so apparently towards PH.

Next few turns got very interesting. I have 3 CV + 1CVL in Tarawa, 3 CV + 4 CVL in PH.

[Sardaukar]

I have absolutely no idea where these 3 groups ofIJN CV/CVLs are going.... Was thinking they are going to hit PH, but no...

[Sardaukar]

Jan 14 1944

Now I know where KB is heading. Unavoidable showdown near Tarawa. I have Amphibious TF, Transport TF, CVE TF and CV TF there. Moving CV TF to deep water to avoid penalties (CVEs don't get penalty being in coastal hex).

[Sardaukar]

Still Jan 14...next 2 days will be interesting.

There is almost inevitable carrier battle looming near Tarawa. CV TF and CVE TF there are commanded by Spruance and his clone (it's database error, 2 of them available..which is handy sometimes, like now... [:D] )

Adm Halsey has been sent to reinforce from PH, his TF has 3 CVs and 4 CVLs. F**k the coordination rule, need as many planes as possible. They won't get there for few days, but might either revenge Spruance(s) and unfortunate Amphibious forces..or in case of victory, pick up the stragglers.

To add insult to injury, I mistakenly invaded Milne Bay with 3rd Mar Div that was fully prepped for Shortlands. That lead to some nasty landing disruption..will take few days to sort that out. Fortunately it's not an atoll. Was surprised how well-defended it is, since there is IJA 71st Div. Thus secondary amphibious TF will leave Sydney with 1st Mar Div and some remnants of 3rd that somehow were not loaded to original TF.

I have also lost 2 subs already this month, which is not good. Sea of Japan seems to be bit hot place...

[Sardaukar]

That battle was the ultimate Charlie Fox (cluster f**k for those not familiar with the saying) for both sides...massive plane and pilot losses for both sides with nothing really to show, one of my BBs got lightly damaged by torpedo (flt 15), we didn't get any hits on IJN ships...

I must say I have rarely seen anything like this.. [:D]

(Avengers attacking with bombs are from CVE TF, they were attacking at extended range.

Hundreds of planes were lost during these 2 days...Halsey might still catch now depleted IJN CVs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Makin at 141,126

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 112 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3a Zero x 14
A6M5 Zero x 23
B6N1 Jill x 24
B6N2 Jill x 48
D3A2 Val x 34
D4Y1 Judy x 66

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 11 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N2 Jill: 7 destroyed, 9 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 7 destroyed by flak
D3A2 Val: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged
D3A2 Val: 5 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 7 destroyed, 22 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 10 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 1
BB Massachusetts, Bomb hits 1
BB Alabama, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CVL Cabot
CLAA Juneau
CL Birmingham
CV Saratoga
CV Lexington
CL Denver, Bomb hits 1
CV Essex
CA Baltimore
CA Boston
CL Mobile

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D3A2 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D3A2 Val bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A2 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes

Banzai! - Kawato D. in a D4Y1 Judy is willing to die for the Emperor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Nikunau at 142,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 66
A6M3a Zero x 51
A6M5 Zero x 52

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 59
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 58
SBD-5 Dauntless x 28
TBF-1 Avenger x 18
TBM-1C Avenger x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 21 destroyed, 6 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
SBD-5 Dauntless: 11 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 18 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Shokaku
CV Kaga
CV Zuikaku
CV Soryu
CV Akagi

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
1 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Nikunau at 142,129

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
A6M3a Zero x 38
A6M5 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 23
TBM-1C Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBM-1C Avenger: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Zuikaku

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 136,128

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 137 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
B5N2 Kate x 14
B6N2 Jill x 7
D4Y1 Judy x 13

Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 32
F6F-3 Hellcat x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB Oklahoma

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tarawa at 136,128

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 130 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 8
B6N1 Jill x 13
D4Y1 Judy x 13

Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 24
F6F-3 Hellcat x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 8 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Makin at 141,126

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 13
A6M5 Zero x 16
B6N1 Jill x 15
B6N2 Jill x 31
D3A2 Val x 8
D4Y1 Judy x 24

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 69

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 6 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 12 destroyed, 3 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A2 Val: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 6 destroyed, 3 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga
BB Massachusetts
BB North Carolina
DD Burns
CV Lexington
CV Essex
CLAA Juneau

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg GP Bomb
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D3A2 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nikunau at 142,129

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
A6M3a Zero x 33
A6M5 Zero x 36

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 33
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 16
SBD-5 Dauntless x 3
TBM-1C Avenger x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 7 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nikunau at 142,129

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
A6M3a Zero x 28
A6M5 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 36
TBM-1C Avenger x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
TBM-1C Avenger: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Kaga

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 15000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mili at 146,122

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
B6N2 Jill x 3

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 49

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Morning Air attack on TF, near Mili at 142,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 22

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 21
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 4
TBF-1 Avenger x 9
TBM-1C Avenger x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 3 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Zuikaku

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

[Sardaukar]

This really says it all. USN lost about 200 planes, Japanese about 300. Few of those losses were in minor LBA actions elsewhere, but 95% at least were in that 2 day carrier battle.

[RangerJoe]

You set your Avengers with bombs too high. Set them at 1000 feet. They will have more AAA losses but will not be hampered by the low altitude loss of bombs. The should then get more hits as well.

[Sardaukar]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

You set your Avengers with bombs too high. Set them at 1000 feet. They will have more AAA losses but will not be hampered by the low altitude loss of bombs. The should then get more hits as well.

I set Avengers on CVs to 15k Naval attack, since apart from extended range, they use torpedoes and will drop to 100 ft to launch them. 15k is to avoid lot of flak and coordinate better with escort fighters. On CVL/CVEs, my Avengers are also 50% naval search, allowing CV Avengers to concentrate fully to Naval attack. There is method in this madness [8D]

They'd have done lot better if enemy was hex closer, alas, they were only within extended range.

[RangerJoe]

Naval search works best at 6000 feet.

[Sardaukar]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Naval search works best at 6000 feet.

Of course, but one can only choose one altitude, both for naval attack and search.

[Sardaukar]

Halsey caught IJN CV TF Jan 17 1944....and results were really underwhelming, probably because of bad weather. There was brief combat exchange. Hopefully he can catch them again next day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Baker Island at 155,127

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
A6M5 Zero x 12
B6N2 Jill x 7
D4Y1 Judy x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 108

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 5 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown II
CVL Belleau Wood
CVL Monterey

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Johnston Island at 157,123

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M5 Zero x 25

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 103
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 56
TBF-1 Avenger x 18
TBM-1C Avenger x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 3 destroyed, 17 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Akagi
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 1
CV Junyo
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
CV Shokaku
DD Kazegumo

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
10 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
10 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
15 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

[Sardaukar]

Jan 19 1944

Halsey punches thin air, but clone Spruance in command of CVE Escort TF, escorting returning Amph TF full of marines, draws blood.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ailuk at 148,114

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M5 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 18
F6F-3 Hellcat x 40
TBM-1C Avenger x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Torpedo hits 2
CVL Ryuho, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Ryujo

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x TBM-1C Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp

Halsey will backtrack to try to catch some stragglers as per picture:

[Sardaukar]

While sinkings are subject to heavy FOW, this is the latest Jan 20 1944. Seems IJN has lost CV and CVL (unconfirmed). CVL is pretty sure, CV not so much.

I am not pleased losing 3 subs in 3 weeks. I am still way ahead of historical results, I think USN lost 52 subs in whole war in Pacific (IIRC).