Lost... As always. Runnersan (A)vs Deaniks (J). No Deaniks Please! :)

[RangerJoe]

If the pilots refused to fly, there probably was protection there they the commander saw but you did not.

Also, check the commander and see if he is aggressive enough.

[BBfanboy]

Sometimes your narrative is a bit too cryptic. For example you posted:

After Japanese air counteroffensive, Japanese planes attacked allied troops. Big losses were inflicted.

But does that mean big losses of Allied troops or big losses of Japanese aircraft? Posting the Combat Report with the comment would have clarified which you meant.

I am also not clear on why you think the bombardment of Rockhampton failed. The CR results looked pretty reasonable even if the airfield was not closed. Did I miss something in your expectations for that TF?

[Runnersan]

If the pilots refused to fly, there probably was protection there they the commander saw but you did not.

Their friends from Marines and US Army performed their mission, not a single enemy plane. I checked commander, he had around 56 aggresivnes. I replaced him someone with 64.

But does that mean big losses of Allied troops or big losses of Japanese aircraft? Posting the Combat Report with the comment would have clarified which you meant.

I will try to write more clearly in the future.

I am also not clear on why you think the bombardment of Rockhampton failed. The CR results looked pretty reasonable even if the airfield was not closed. Did I miss something in your expectations for that TF?

Ate least two destroyers sunk "by accident". Base was full of ships and almost 200 planes. I know that airbase level is high (7) but I hoped for little more destruction...

[RangerJoe]

The damage is also based on the fortification level. At that base which is built up, the fortification should be high - especially with that many units there.

[Runnersan]

19th - 21st June 1942
Three days of Battleships


Burma

As I stated before, Allied HQ decided to provide battleships cover to transports unloading troops at Ramree Island. Their mission: “To protect convoy from active Surface Task Force from Rangoon”. That decision almost immediately brought its fruit.
On 19th June, Japanese Task Force attacked Ramree Island and Royal Navy ships moved to action.
Unfortunately this was day when Japanese torpedoes hit targets almost every time.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Naka, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Kinu, Shell hits 2
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Arashi, Shell hits 2
DD Hagikaze
DD Oshio, Shell hits 7, heavy fires

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 1
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 23, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Resolution, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1
CL Emerald, Shell hits 4, on fire
CL Glasgow, Shell hits 5, on fire
CL Caledon
DD Thanet, Shell hits 2
DD Arrow, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Decoy, Shell hits 2
DD Express, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Poor visibility due to Rain with 32% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 32% moonlight: 6,000 yards

CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
William-Powlett, P. crosses the 'T'



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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Shell hits 24, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Isuzu, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 1
DD Arashi
DD Oshio, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 1
CL Hobart
CL Emerald
CL Caledon, Shell hits 1
DD Thanet

Poor visibility due to Rain with 42% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 42% moonlight: 1,000 yards

William-Powlett, P. crosses the 'T'

Japanese Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Nowaki, on fire
DD Arashi
DD Oshio, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
CL Hobart, Shell hits 1
CL Emerald
CL Caledon
DD Thanet

Low visibility due to Rain with 42% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 42% moonlight: 2,000 yards

Both Resolution and Royal Sovereign sunk.

I hope that Nachi and Isuzu didn’t survived either.

On next day Allies had more bad luck.
Japanese ace submarine I-153 sunk CL Emerald with three direct hits.

21st brought change in Japanese tactics. They send IJA air force to deal with Allied convoys, but not everything went as they planned.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 54,45

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
AM Bittern
xAK Tricolor
xAKL Sarpen, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AM Whippoorwill

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 24

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 8 destroyed, 6 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Ceres
BB Prince of Wales

I expect sweep attacks in next days.

Java

Batavia and Bandoeng are still in Dutch hands in spite constant bombardment.



Fiji

Suva airbase was operational, but fruit of air attacks were rather small.



TB Hato, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Kaga Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TB Kamo, Bomb hits 1, on fire

So Allied command decided to prepare bombardment of Nadi by held in reserve, in Pago Pago, small fleet detachment led by BB Pennsylvania.

There could be no worst timing

At first everything went as planned… Almost. Allied TF attacked unloading transports

Night Time Surface Combat, near Nadi at 131,160, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Shirayuki
AK Kaga Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Yamasimo Maru

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 1
DD Gwin
DD O'Brien, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Nizam

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 53% moonlight: 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
DD Yugumo collides with DD Hamakaze at 131 , 160

2 Torpedo hits and one allied destroyer sunk. Allied commander decided not to bombard base and withdraw to Pago Pago.

In the same time few miles to the west, Japanese battleships TF bombarded Suva base and inflicted losses to Allied air groups and they closed airbase.

Night Naval bombardment of Suva at 132,160

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 32 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 17 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 15 damaged
PBY-5 Catalina: 2 destroyed on ground
P-38E Lightning: 21 damaged
P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
B-17E Fortress: 57 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 destroyed on ground
LB-30 Liberator: 18 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
B-26 Marauder: 15 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 16 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 3 destroyed on ground
SBD-1 Dauntless: 24 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 2 destroyed on ground
F4F-3 Wildcat: 11 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CA Ashigara
CA Myoko
CL Abukuma

Allied ground losses:
1254 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 85 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 37 (12 destroyed, 25 disabled)
Vehicles lost 24 (12 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Airbase hits 35
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 108

BB Mutsu firing at Suva
BB Haruna firing at Suva
BB Kongo firing at Suva
CA Ashigara firing at Suva
CA Myoko firing at Suva
CL Abukuma firing at Suva

And to add to bad luck, this TF met with Allied Pennsylvania TF returning from Nadi. Allied Task Force was surprised.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Suva at 131,161, Range 16,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
BB Haruna, Shell hits 3
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 3
CA Myoko
CA Ashigara
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 3
DD Amatsukaze
DD Michishio, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Yamagumo
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kawakaze
DD Yuzuki

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Shell hits 29, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
DD Gwin, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Nizam, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage

Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions: 20,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 16,000 yards
Japanese launch Long Lance torpedoes at 16,000 yards before allies detect Japanese presence

More torpedo hits. And Pennsylvania went down.
3 days and 3 Battleships sunk.

[RangerJoe]

Consider moving when the weather is nice and the moonlight is above 50%. Bad weather and low visibility are friends to torpedo launching vessels.

[Bif1961]

Slow BBs usually come off poorly against Japanese TFs with faster cruisers and DDs.

[Runnersan]

22nd - 27th June 1942


Burma

Japan decided to attack Ramree Island. At least 2 Divisions are marching under Allied bombs. Allied HQ hopes that bombing will create supply problems for IJA. Allied battleships are prepared to support defense. At least 508AV points awaits at this base for enemy.



Fiji

Suva airbase is operational again, but lot’s of damaged planes need repairing first before I will operate from it. Enemy moved first troops to Suva and waits. Transport carrying troops are close to Fiji Zone, but enemy has total control on sea. I’m awaiting for reinforcements.


Australia Command

Both sides waits. B- bombed Rockhmapton port without big success.

Japanese Ships
DD Sawakaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires



One CV more will be operational in Cape Town after repairs. Question is… Will it be better to move it from Cape Town to Panama or maybe faster to move it near Southern Edge of map to New Zealand and then to Pearl Harbor?

[RangerJoe]

Ramree is a trap for your units.

[Runnersan]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Ramree is a trap for your units.

That is possible... But also I'm getting hit hard from beginning of war and I'm desperate to find place where enemy will be halted.

[RangerJoe]

Once the enemy moves in, you will not be able to supply your units except by sea. Hello torpedo carrying Betties and Nells.

There are better places to try and hold the enemy. Fortify Chittagong starting 8 December 1941. Have many small minefields there. Each day a minefield is laid at a base, they are considered one minefield.

Fortify Diamond Harbor as well. Minefields also.

Fortify along the Indian-Burmese border. So fortify Imphal as soon as is possible. It is difficult to supply troops through the jungle, especially during the monsoon. Do not defend forward with no support nearby.

Have units in strategic mode ready to react. Keep moving them if you need to. Make sure that every base on the rail line has a unit decent enough to hold against paratroopers until your ready reaction force can move in.

Don't worry about giving up land, it is the bases that you need to hold. You can always bypass the Indian-Burmese border and invade farther back if you want to in 1943/44.

You can NOT afford to waste your troops. The UK/Indian/Commonwealth forces have a low replacement rate. It will take a long time to rebuild a division especially if a lot of units also need replacements. As long as you can keep the enemy from getting an automatic victory, you will win in the end. You can use India to hold the enemies attention and units while the Americans do the punching. That said, you need to keep the Chinese in the game as long as is possible as well.

Don't do something just to do something. Have an objective. Even if it is just a carrier raid where the KB is not. If you can cause enough trouble, the enemy will either react or weaken.

If you need to do so, post overall pictures of the map along with pictures of various theaters, what is where, and then ask for assistance.

[Runnersan]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Once the enemy moves in, you will not be able to supply your units except by sea. Hello torpedo carrying Betties and Nells.

There are better places to try and hold the enemy. Fortify Chittagong starting 8 December 1941. Have many small minefields there. Each day a minefield is laid at a base, they are considered one minefield.

Fortify Diamond Harbor as well. Minefields also.

Fortify along the Indian-Burmese border. So fortify Imphal as soon as is possible. It is difficult to supply troops through the jungle, especially during the monsoon. Do not defend forward with no support nearby.

Have units in strategic mode ready to react. Keep moving them if you need to. Make sure that every base on the rail line has a unit decent enough to hold against paratroopers until your ready reaction force can move in.

Don't worry about giving up land, it is the bases that you need to hold. You can always bypass the Indian-Burmese border and invade farther back if you want to in 1943/44.

You can NOT afford to waste your troops. The UK/Indian/Commonwealth forces have a low replacement rate. It will take a long time to rebuild a division especially if a lot of units also need replacements. As long as you can keep the enemy from getting an automatic victory, you will win in the end. You can use India to hold the enemies attention and units while the Americans do the punching. That said, you need to keep the Chinese in the game as long as is possible as well.

Don't do something just to do something. Have an objective. Even if it is just a carrier raid where the KB is not. If you can cause enough trouble, the enemy will either react or weaken.

If you need to do so, post overall pictures of the map along with pictures of various theaters, what is where, and then ask for assistance.

I feel that enemy moved all of his forces to Pacific/Australia. In China his offensive halted for now near Changsha. I don't believe that he will move against India and India is also place when I can pressure him and force Japan to weaken Australian front.

[Runnersan]

28th June-3rd July 1942

Australia Command

Japanese fighters sweeping Brisbane and slowly gaining upper hand. Tojo planes in hands of good pilots are real danger for Allied older planes.
Also one bomber raid was organized, but big Japanese bomber losses (Nellie's and Bettie's) showed that Brisbane can defend even with decimated CAP..



Fiji

Allies are trying to get more troops do Suva, but unfortunately strong Japanese fleet protects island. This time US Navy HQ decided to send surface fleet to bombard enemy positions at Suva. And once again this attack was prepared in same time as Japanese bombardment. Allied and Japanese TF met and once again US Navy battleship was sunk. This time because of very precise fire from Japaneses Battleships.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Suva at 132,160, Range 8,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 1 destroyed
Walrus II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 1
BB Nagato, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro, Shell hits 2
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 11, heavy fires
CL Tenryu, Shell hits 2
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Hatsuharu
DD Hatsushima
DD Mochizuki
DD Kamikaze
DD Oite

Allied Ships
BB Nevada, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
CA Indianapolis
CA New Orleans
CA Australia, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Leander, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CL Achilles
CL Raleigh
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
DD Shaw, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Farragut, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 1
DD Rathburne, Shell hits 1

Improved night sighting under 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 96% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Yano, Hideo* crosses the 'T'

Later damaged CA Australia with escort were sunk by Japanese bombers. Japanese medium bombers also tried to attack CA Indianapolis and others but were shot down by escort planes.

Also IJA tried to bombard Suva base, but Allied counter fire damaged them heavily.

Ground combat at Suva (132,160)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 43363 troops, 404 guns, 199 vehicles, Assault Value = 1314

Defending force 34083 troops, 431 guns, 343 vehicles, Assault Value = 703

Japanese ground losses:
416 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
14th Division
48th Division
9th Division
65th Brigade
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
12th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion

Defending units:
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
30th NZ Battalion
2nd Marine Division
3rd Marine Raider Battalion
34th NZ Battalion
147th Field Artillery Battalion
95th Coast AA Regiment
2nd Marine Air Wing
1st RNZAF Base Force
11th MAG
148th Field Artillery Battalion
6th Port Maint Engineer Battalion
45th Base Group
2nd Pioneer Battalion
198th Field Artillery Battalion
35th Base Group
47th Construction Regiment
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
38th Base Group
2nd Marine Defense Battalion
260th Field Artillery Battalion
Nandi Base Force

There is big pressure on president Roosevelt that US needs success. So operation on 4th July was prepared. US Navy two carriers with support of British carrier that arrived from Cape Town prepared raid against Japanese fleet at Nadi. Supported by sweeping raids from Suva enemy force was attacked.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 131,160

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 17
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 12
Swordfish I x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26
SBD-3 Dauntless x 68
TBF-1 Avenger x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 2 destroyed
Swordfish I: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Hishu
DD Tatsukaze
CVE Taiyo, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
DD Myojinami
BB Yamato
DD Tachekaze
DD Kosugiri
DD Kiku
TB Hiyodori


Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hosho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Taiyo


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 131,160

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 10
Swordfish I x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
SBD-3 Dauntless x 60
TBF-1 Avenger x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 destroyed
Swordfish I: 2 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 10, on fire
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Taiyo, heavy fires
DD Hishu
TB Sagi
DD Tatsukaze
DD Uzuki
TB Hiyodori, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Myojinami
DD Kosugiri
DD Kiku



Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hosho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Yamato
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Hosho class CVE
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring TB Hiyodori
Massive explosion on TB Hiyodori

It is sure that at least one of the CVE ships was sunk, but performance of Allied pilots was far from expectations. Also targeting small destroyers with torpedo attack was biggest calamity of this day.



Burma

Japanese fighters are trying to destroy CAP over Ramree Island, but according to Recon, that is all what we can expect. Japan has only fighters in Burma Sector.

Allies tried counterattack against Mgawe airbase, but due to loss of surprise element (sweeping raid destroyed CAP, but weather stopped bombers from attack) attack brought only losses to Allies (bombers and sweeping force arrived on next day but enemy was better prepared on this occasion).

Japan also decided to move more ships to Burma. Dutch submarine O16 attacked enemy convoy with troops (sunk one AK) and also detected one battleship (Ise) and heavy cruiser Mikuma with destroyer escort.

US Banshee bombers from Port Blair attacked convoy and damaged AP ship

xAP Hie Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

loaded with troops, but unfortunately only small part of squadron located it’s target (3 planes).

Royal Navy carriers will try to intercept convoy before it gets to Rangoon.




Summary – June

Air War





Air losses are to high. Airframes levels are too low especially when we see fighters or 4E bombers. It is clear sign that I should move my fighter force to reserve in few places and enemy should have possibility to bomb unprotected bases.



Naval War




Silent War


1. I-153 19550t 5 ships  up

2. I-169 18080t 3 ships  down

3. I-162 14735t 3 ships  down

4. I-156 10290t 3 ships 

5. Argonaut 9580t 1 ship new

6. Seadragon 9105t 2 ships down

7. I-1 8390t 2 ships down

8. I-124 8370t 2 ships down

9. I-17 8290t 3 ships down

10. I-18 8150 1 ship down

[Runnersan]

4th July-5th July 1942


Fiji

Second day of operation “4th July” brought another series of US and British air raids against Japanese fleet. Enemy decided that he will disperse fleet and run in almost every direction. Part of his force was also deployed in attack mission against Allied carrier TF.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Gau Island at 134,161

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Asakaze



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Gau Island at 134,161

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
SBD-3 Dauntless x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Asakaze

Morning Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 126,162

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 8
Swordfish I x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
TBF-1 Avenger x 8

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Myoko



Morning Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 126,159

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 31
TBF-1 Avenger x 6

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 5
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 6, on fire
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1


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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 126,159

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Kako, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna
CA Furutaka


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 126,159

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 8, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:


Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Yamashiro


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 126,159

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 9
P-38E Lightning x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
AO Toei Maru
BB Haruna
AO Kyokuto Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 126,159

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 9
SBD-3 Dauntless x 40
TBF-1 Avenger x 11

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 3
CL Tatsuta, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
DD Minekaze
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Furutaka, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
CL Kiso, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Kisaragi



Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Yamashiro
Magazine explodes on CA Furutaka
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Tatsuta



Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Niuafo'ou at 140,161

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 15

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 4

Unfortunately heavy bombers that should attack Nadi port didn’t fly.

On 5th July Allied Carrier Task Force got order to withdraw. It is also decided that transport troops that awaited at Pago Pago should get to Suva base with reinforcements. Enemy in his almost suicidal mission instead protecting his own ships attacked Suva airbase with sweeping raids. On this day also heavy bombers bombed Nadi port.

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 10
B-26 Marauder x 5
P-38E Lightning x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AKE Syokyu Maru, Bomb hits 2
PB Chosa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SC Ch 17, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Kyusyu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
PB Aso Maru #7, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Shosei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Yamahuzi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AKE Tempei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Hoeisan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Tyoyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
E Uruyame, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAP Mizuho Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Yokohama Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Syoka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6
LB-30 Liberator x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 13, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamasimo Maru, Bomb hits 1
xAK Syoka Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Mizuho Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
TB Kamo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
E Uruyame, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Port hits 5

Burma

Enemy under fire from US bombers and sub decided that he will unload his troops at Moulmein.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Tavoy at 52,60

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAP Hie Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

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

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Hie Maru


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tavoy at 52,60

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAP Teibi Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Unfortunately once Japanese docked at Moulmein, they created CAP over this base and once again British pilots from carrier group that arrived there at full speed, fly into CAP trap and were decimated.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 24
Fulmar II x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 12 destroyed
Fulmar II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
xAP Teiko Maru
xAK Tone Maru
xAK Hohuku Maru
xAK Hiyama Maru

[CaptBeefheart]

Excellent work around Fiji! Those BBs will be spending a lot of time in the yard.

Cheers,
CB

[Runnersan]

I'm afraid they will back soon....

[Runnersan]

6th - 11th July 1942


Burma

All supplies and troops were unloaded safely at Ramree Island. Allied bombers continue bombing campaign against Japanaese Divisions just east of Ramree. Terrain and roads there might be bad , so it might be hard for Japan to keep good combat readiness to successfully attack Ramree Island.

Japanese ships were attacked once again by Port Blair dive bomber squadron.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Victoria Point at 49,65

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Minami Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Teiritsu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAP Teia Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Unfortunately, on the way home, after disastrous attack, royal navy carrier group was attacked by submarine.

Sub attack near Koggala at 29,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-166, hits 1

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, Torpedo hits 2
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Napier
DD Norman

Damaged Indomitable was sent back to England 2 weeks earlier then HQ demanded. No repairs will be made in Pacific Theatre.


Fiji

Until 9th July bombers tried to close airbase and port at Nadi.

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PB Sozan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Shosei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yamahuzi Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Chosa Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yokohama Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ryuzan Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
xAP Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SC Ch 14, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC Ch 15, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tyoyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

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

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 22
Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1

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


Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-26 Marauder x 5

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Ryuzan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Sozan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Horai Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Brazil Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AKE Syokyu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yokohama Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Syoka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 15, and is sunk

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

Airbase hits 10
Runway hits 10



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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AKE Syokyu Maru, and is sunk
xAK Syoka Maru, and is sunk

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 7

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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M5 Zero x 24
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 17

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4


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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M5 Zero x 22
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 3 destroyed

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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M5 Zero x 19
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged

Runway hits 2


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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5 Zero x 19
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed

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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5 Zero x 16
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1


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

Morning Air attack on Nadi , at 131,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5 Zero x 15
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 4
B-26 Marauder x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamahuzi Maru, and is sunk

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

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Growing bombers losses and necessity of focusing on providing air cover for incoming troops transports put air campaign temporary on hold.


On 9th July troops transport arrived to Suva and started unloading soldiers to support defense of this base.
Unfortunately, at this time Allied carrier group needed to refuel and rearm at Pago Pago (torpedo storage on carriers were empty). Also increase need of fighter cover for transport TF forced Allied HQ to withdraw few naval bombers from Suva and redirect army bombers to attack Nadi airbase.
Japanese navy seized this opportunity and sent Yamato battleship with support to attack unloading transports at Suva.
Allied dive bombers didn’t damaged battleships

Morning Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 127,160

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 2
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 3




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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Nadi at 127,160

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 2

Facing this grave danger, transports halted unloading and moved away from port. More submarines were redirected to Suva, Nadi zones.

On the next day Yamato was detected at Suva and then moved to Nadi where he met S-43.

Sub attack near Nadi at 131,160

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Torpedo hits 3
TB Sagi
DD Kosugiri
DD Tachekaze
DD Tatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS S-43

SS S-43 launches 4 torpedoes at BB Yamato
S-43 bottoming out ....
DD Kosugiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tachekaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tatsukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Unfortunately, only one torpedo got through thick ship armor.
In the same time Allied carrier group refueled and resupplied moved to intercept Yamato, but enemy disappeared.

On next day troop transport will try to return to Suva and resume unloading operations.

Australia Command

Japan conducts air campaign against Adelaide and Brisbane. Hundreds of fighters and bombers are attacking both bases. As it was stated earlier, fighter squadrons in Australia needs more air frames to prepare successful air defense, so there is no Allied CAP.

Java
Batavia and Bandoeng are still in Dutch hands.

[BBfanboy]

You have done very well in your defence of Suva! [&o]

Your attacks on the airfield were very interesting because of the ship sinkings observed during the airfield bombing. It illustrates very well how the fires and flooding you inflicted in earlier attacks kept increasing, especially during your subsequent attacks. It does not matter that the ships themselves were not the target of the new attacks (on the AF), their ability to fight fires and do other damage control was reduced and some of the succumbed to their damage.

The sub attack on Yamato may not have done huge damage, but it was enough to prevent a catastrophic bombardment of Suva airfield.
BTW, the previous carrier attack on Mutsu with four torpedo hits probably sank her. For some reason the Nagato and Mutsu don't handle torpedo damage well (as observed during several games against the AI when I got to check such damage). In every game it only took three torpedo hits for those ships to sink.

[Runnersan]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

You have done very well in your defence of Suva! [&o]

Your attacks on the airfield were very interesting because of the ship sinkings observed during the airfield bombing. It illustrates very well how the fires and flooding you inflicted in earlier attacks kept increasing, especially during your subsequent attacks. It does not matter that the ships themselves were not the target of the new attacks (on the AF), their ability to fight fires and do other damage control was reduced and some of the succumbed to their damage.

The sub attack on Yamato may not have done huge damage, but it was enough to prevent a catastrophic bombardment of Suva airfield.
BTW, the previous carrier attack on Mutsu with four torpedo hits probably sank her. For some reason the Nagato and Mutsu don't handle torpedo damage well (as observed during several games against the AI when I got to check such damage). In every game it only took three torpedo hits for those ships to sink.

Thanks, but battle is not over yet. I gained almost equality in AV points, but also I got overstacked in Suva a little. I was thinking about invasion of Nadi but Japan keeps at least one more division there.

I can send more tanks and maybe 3rd Marine Division but I afraid bigger over stack and I expect return of Kido Butai any time soon. I believe that Japan got them to dry dock for upgrade. I was thinking that Japan will use them for invasion in North (intelligence info). But now, I'm not sure. He committed lots of troops at Fiji so he will probably prioritize finishing off Suva base or prepare Fiji evacuation instead attacking Aleutians. At least I would try to end Fiji stalemate.

Mutsu might be alive. I detected it two days after torpedoes hit.

[Runnersan]

12th - 19th July 1942


Burma

Japanese forces captured Myitkyina. IJA planes are also testing fighter cover of Akyab and Chittagong. At Akyab CAP was put on stand down, but at Chittagong allied and Japanese planes fought heavy battle.
Losses were almost equal but unfortunately biggest allied losses were among P-40E fighters. Lack of plane of this type is reason why most of bases are without CAP.

Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 3
Hurricane IIb Trop x 30
P-40E Warhawk x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 6 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.67 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
No.261 Sqn RAF with Hurricane I Trop (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
No.14 Sqn RNZAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
23rd FG/76th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 2
Hurricane IIb Trop x 27
P-40E Warhawk x 19

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

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
No.67 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
No.14 Sqn RNZAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
No.261 Sqn RAF with Hurricane I Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
23rd FG/76th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 2
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
P-40E Warhawk x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet *
3 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
No.135 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
No.14 Sqn RNZAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
No.67 Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
No.261 Sqn RAF with Hurricane I Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
23rd FG/75th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
23rd FG/76th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

Also enemy made first moves against Port Blair. Allies increased naval bomber presence at this base and maybe because of that (and successful convoy attacks) first Japanese sweeping mission and bombers arrived.

Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
DB-7B: 8 damaged
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 damaged
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 destroyed on ground
A-24 Banshee: 4 damaged
Fulmar II: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 5000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb



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

Afternoon Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 11

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb


Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 19

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 15
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 14



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

Morning Air attack on Port Blair , at 46,58

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 19

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIa Trop x 15
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar II: 1 destroyed on ground

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Fiji

Reinforcements for Suva safely landed. But in the same time enemy increased his submarine activity around Pago Pago and Suva. Two transport ships were sunk. But there were bigger loss. On the way to safe harbor BB Maryland was attacked by submarine.

Sub attack near Kabara at 138,161

Japanese Ships
SS I-18

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
DD Tenedos

SS I-18 launches 8 torpedoes at BB Maryland
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tenedos loses contact with SS I-18
DD Tenedos cannot establish contact with SS I-18
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Ship survived and arrived to one of the ports in region, but dangerous and long way to Pearl Harbor awaits him after first ad hoc repairs.

Also one unusual thing happened. Enemy sub sunk US Navy submarine.

Sub vs Sub: SS I-28 attacking SS S-45 at 147,161 - near Pago Pago

Japanese Ships
SS I-28

Allied Ships
SS S-45, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

SS I-28 launches 4 torpedoes at 2,000 yards

Also on 18th July Japanese Navy tried to get through to Fiji. Allied bombers detected enemy and commenced attack.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Anatom at 124,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 1
DD Kosugiri, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Tama
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 1


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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Anatom at 124,160

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2

It is clear that enemy will move again against Fiji, when Japanese carriers will be ready.

Australia Command

Enemy tried to attack Melbourne by night bombings and then sweeping mission, but after one day resigned. Unfortunately once again priceless P-40E and P-39 Aircobra were lost. In September first P-40K will arrive so I hope it will lower pressure on P-40E airframe reserves. P-39 problem will unfortunately continue until bigger introduction of P-38 Lighting models.

Also Japanese bombers protected by almost 70 fighters are bombing Brisbane. I will let those bombers to level city just to preserve fighters for another battle.