Sailing in harms way: InHarmsWay (J) vs Andav (A) Scen2

[InHarmsWay]

Current status in the Marshalls: Here is my current plan of attack given Adm Wa has taken several bases but left several as well. I could speed up the timeline a bit, but want to get each unit to at least 50 prep.

1. Continue to isolate Roi-Namur with flights from Ponape (now lvl 3), and BB/CA bombardments every 2-3 days to whittle down defenses, lower morale, burn supplies and keep forts from being built. In tandem, periodic bombardments of Maloelap to hinder base development/forts as well. To date, 3 DD TFs have been sweeping Roi-Namur of PT boats, have bagged 10 for the loss of a small DD. I believe Maloelap is his main base as it had the most LCUs land there.

2. Initial invasion of Ailuk (it only had a base force and construction battalion land there). I will bring 2 naval guards units (Sasebo 5th SNLF and 89th Nav Gd) for that, with bombardments. Timeline is June 20-25 ish

3. Follow on invasion of Namorik. Here it will be a bit harder as there is a Marine raider bn, base force, and construction unit here. I will bring the 17th Infantry Rgt) and Maizuru 1st SNLF. Timeline is end June.

4. Main invasion of Roi-Namur will occur late June. Key unit tagged are: 14th Division and 22nd Ind Engr Rgt bot at Truk, 2nd Tank Rgt and 5th Guards Cav rgt (several days from Saipan), and 8th Tank rgt about a week from Truk.

To support all this, KB is in theatre, and Wotje will get a air HQ, Naval Guard unit, base force and AA unit shortly. Below is the current status.

June 07 1942 Marshalls.jpg (326.89 KiB) Viewed 837 times

[InHarmsWay]

It has been a whirlwind first half year of the war. For those that like numbers, here is the summary score to date. Still too many ops losses for the Japanese, but at least I have begun to operate most air units with a degree of rest as part of their orders. Good to see the land unit score is over 12k before completing the liberation of the Chinese front that will hopefully occur over the next few months. Ship losses are still relatively low for both sides.

June 08 1942 Summary.jpg (187.42 KiB) Viewed 805 times

[InHarmsWay]

Overall Economic status after 6 months. The economy has stabilized for the most part. I am using alot of fuel with the IJN, but it should build more once my tempo slows a bit. One area of detail I have shown is the fighter build / research status. Lesson learned next time is to build more zeros given my tempo. I have been short of zero airframes, and the a6M3a is only now just getting into production.

If any of you gentle readers would like more detailed screenshots, let me know. Note one area I have consistently run a deficit is vehicle points. I have gradually been building that out, as I do not want to overcommit. I may need to take it to 225.

June 08 1942 overall snapshot.jpg (549.96 KiB) Viewed 803 times

June 08 1942 Industry snapshot.jpg (200.85 KiB) Viewed 803 times

[InHarmsWay]

Over the past few days I have been withdrawing the IJA from their vacation spot in Vizagapatnam. Adm Wa had what looked like several divisions worth of troops here, and I wanted to pull out the high exp regiments I had there. I have pulled out 21st Inf Rgt, 6th Tank, 17th Ind Gds, and 2nd Formosa, along with several base forces, AT units and arty units. I figured better to get them out now, in what is an indefensible open base. Four days ago, he had moved in some TB units and was able to catch a couple transports through a small CAP I had in place. However, next day I flew in ~40 additional fighters and the tables turned and we ended up having quite a large air battle for this point in the war. Since then, he has been quiet on the air front and I may get everything out, including loading up the damaged fighters at the base. Total plane losses on the big air day was an estimated 98 allied planes lost (83 from Air to Air) against 20 Japanese planes lost (7 Air to air). Very happy with that!

One additional lesson I learned again, thankfully without much pain is to ALWAYS ensure when you are picking up units with a fast TF to pick up ONLY units, not supplies... I neglected to choose "load only troops" and stripped Viz of all supplies with one of my pickup TFs!!! I was really panicking that Adm Wa would order an attack, but thankfully nothing came. Also very happy my CAP flew as that was impactful! Lost count of which lesson this was...

Here is the current map.

June 12 1942 Calcutta.jpg (638.72 KiB) Viewed 759 times

[PaxMondo]

Lesson learned next time is to build more zeros given my tempo. I have been short of zero airframes, and the a6M3a is only now just getting into production.

And you may want even more in future games. Until Tojo arrives, the A6M is the best fighter you have. Your issues is how few air groups you get. I've previously shared ideas on how to expand that.

... one area I have consistently run a deficit is vehicle points. I have gradually been building that out, as I do not want to overcommit. I may need to take it to 225.

This is one of those factories where it really depends upon your strategy and your tactics.

Strategy: captured enemy air factories convert to VEH factories. So, if your strategy has you taking those bases out there that build aircraft, you would temper your building and focus on your targets. However, if those bases are not targets, then yes, you need to expand. These bases are located in India, SOV, and OZ.

Tactics: which armored units you use and how often you use them. Face it, some of the IJ armor is trash ... but they can eat up a lot of VEH points. Type 98 Lgt Tank isn't bad, but all the rest of the early lgt tanks and armored cars just eat up VEH points. So, units with the Type 98 are favored, whereas the Type 95, not until they upgrade to the Type 2 lgt tank. Ditto med tanks, the type89A is worse than useless, it eats up 12 VEH for each one and even CHI inf units can kill them. Type 97 is far better (but still lousy) until the Type 1 arrives. These factors can drive which of your tank units you use, and which you reserve .... and in turn makes a HUGE impact on VEH pts needed.

[InHarmsWay]

PaxMondo, thank you for the comments on the Veh points, and as always appreciate the information. I have not really paid any attention to the different types of vehicles to date. That is a level of detail/expertise in my play that needs developing!. My not so subtle, and simplistic thoughts were any tank was awesome in China, Japanese tanks were good until they ran into Stuarts or any decent experienced allied unit starting around July of '42. At that point I was thinking of using them sparingly, and from some old posts I had read, start sticking them in key atoll bases as they seem to survive bombardments more than most... I have not counted on capturing allied air factories. That would be something to think about on game 3... someday!

Now, on to some update posts!!!

[InHarmsWay]

Looking over the Marshall Islands, the USN wisely did not come out and contest the IJN reinforcing Wotje. At this point I do control the immediate area around the Marshall Islands. KB was last spotted ~4 days ago. Adm Wa does not know the extent of KB (or if it was just 3-5 CVs), so there is still some uncertainty on his part elsewhere in the Pacific.

Status for the current operations unfolding:

Liberation of PM - two more rgts have just now arrived after a hike from Buna. I now have _800 AV in hex. I dont think Adm has more than ~200-250 there. I have been periodically bombing the airfield and sweep the skys. Turning point here in the air war was bringing in the full Tainan KuS-1 airgroup and basing in Finschhafen. I have a large BB bombardment group sailing from Truk, will arrive in a week. Will go in with a shock attack after it arrives. I had to wait on a couple DMS to show up as I believe Adm Wa has mined the hex. KB and mini KB will support from around Milne Bay. Hopfully PM will fall shortly thereafter.

Marshalls Phase 1 - Once KB returns from Milne Bay area, I will sail the Ailuk force to hopefully that that back on the cheap (no Inf units are there as far as I can tell, only seabees and a base force.) Main concern here is the low prep of the invasion force.

Phase 2- Namorik, that will occur several days after Ailuk.

Phase 3 will be Roi-Namur at the end of the month or early July. Both Roi-Namur and Maloelap have been bombarded and bombed fairly regularly, with recon flights constantly. Currently showing 50-70% airfield damage, and no indications of planes. However he does have Cantalina's flying from somewhere, so need to retake all the bases!

June 16 1942 Truk Base.jpg (277.13 KiB) Viewed 684 times

Here is the status of Truk land units. Note several units are also based at Saipan since Truk is quite crowded... Maloelap will need another Divison as well. I expect it will be the toughest nut to crack.

June 16 1942 Truk base status.jpg (219.19 KiB) Viewed 684 times

[InHarmsWay]

China is a bit of a dog's breakfast at the moment. The main Chinese line in the South and Center has broken. The north is still holding but I am one hex away, and will move on Kienko in a few days after a bit of a rest. A Inf Div is moving in from the SW there to help with taking that city.

Adm Wa is moving units all over the interior, causing distractions. Goal for me is to try and herd as much of his units as I can back into Chungking with as little combat capability left without killing them outright.

I also need to start mobilizing more arty into the Chinese Theater to help with the siege. Game 1, I was able to take it relatively easily, but I fully expect Adm Wa to have learned, and I am sure it will be a tough nut!

June 16 1942 China.jpg (839.48 KiB) Viewed 678 times

[InHarmsWay]

Quick questions to experts among the readership. From reading the manual, Chinese units will regenerate after 30 days with just 1/3 of their TO & E in Chungking. I take it that this includes guns, engineers, etc... Do any of them come back disabled or are they effectively full strength, new units, just at 1/3 strength. Also, do they come back trained up (the original unit may have increased in exp), or will they be effectively green units, with exp of 20-30? This Chinese resurrection is regardless of whether the base is contested or not, as there is no indication otherwise.

If Chungking falls, is there any other base where this would happen? I have this feeling I have heard/read somewhere that Chengtu has this ability as well? Is this true or is my memory just trending toward paranoia?

[Q-Ball]

Quick questions to experts among the readership. From reading the manual, Chinese units will regenerate after 30 days with just 1/3 of their TO & E in Chungking. I take it that this includes guns, engineers, etc... Do any of them come back disabled or are they effectively full strength, new units, just at 1/3 strength. Also, do they come back trained up (the original unit may have increased in exp), or will they be effectively green units, with exp of 20-30? This Chinese resurrection is regardless of whether the base is contested or not, as there is no indication otherwise.

If Chungking falls, is there any other base where this would happen? I have this feeling I have heard/read somewhere that Chengtu has this ability as well? Is this true or is my memory just trending toward paranoia?

Great AAR btw! IIRC, Chinese units come back 1/3 strength, no heavy weapons (just infantry and mortars), non-disrupted, with 35 exp. 243 Infantry Squads for a Corps, and a few mortars, that's pretty much it.

I don't think they appear anywhere but Chungking. Can't recall what the impact is if the base is contested, someone else can answer that one....

Hope that helps

[Yaab]

It is mostly rifle squads, engineer squads and support squads. Chinese lack even a good build rate for their MG squads.

Mortars are unobtainium.

[InHarmsWay]

KB is heading in harms way.... I want to finish off PM and take it before Adm Wa can reinforce it more. I now have ~800 AV in hex and will attack once my large bombardment TF visits. Several days ago, I spotted at least 2-3 CVs (could be more as Adm Wa never does things in half measure) down near Cooktown. Also there have been several small TFs floating back and forth to PM.

KB has been taking a roundabout route to get into place for cover and has not been spotted ( I dont think...) KB and Mini KB will make a speed run this next turn to try and catch a bunch of these TF, maybe even some LCUs loaded up... There is a decent chance that Adm Wa may gamble and sail his CVs to hit my BB group that has been spotted last turn, but he has not seen KB in 2 weeks so he may also have retreated several days ago. Either way, orders have been given to enter the Coral Sea!

June 19 1942 Port Morseby.jpg (444.5 KiB) Viewed 575 times

KB's speed run destination is to try and catch any ships floating offshore PM or Cooktown. Also would really be good to catch the Boise, which bombarded my innocent troops wanting to visit PM.

[InHarmsWay]

Gentle readers, I suggest you sit down and grab a nice single malt (Lagavulin is my go to beverage when I need something stiff) or other beverage of your choice. This will take several posts....

In the early morning hours of June 19, 1942, off the SE tip of Milne Bay RADM Yamaguchi looks out over the deck of the CV Akagi wondering if it was foolish or not to sail this close to Australia. CVs had been reported in the area several days ago. However, Fleet Admiral Harmasaki ordered the invasion, and a good Japanese Officer does not question orders. Just then, the senior captain approached and stated the CV Hiryu had signaled she had dodged several torpedoes to the SE of the fleet! Well, the jig is up, the allies know we are approaching...

Not 20 minutes later, lookouts on the CA Aoba signaled several small allied ships off the Starboard Bow. Confusion reigns for 20 minutes before Yamaguchi can bring order to the fleet and retreat. On the plus side, the crews have gained some valuable night experience, unfortunately too many of the long lance torpedoes were fired with nothing to show.

As dawn approached, there was a feeling of foreboding with both a sub attack and errant night action. Clearly the allies now know they were there!

Night action:

Japanese Ships
CV Kaga
CV Hiryu
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CV Akagi
BB Fuso
CA Haguro
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
DD Yugumo
DD Makigumo
DD Shinonome
DD Isonami
DD Suresushio

Allied Ships
DM Breese
DM Tracy, Shell hits 2
DM Preble, Shell hits 4, heavy fires

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 22,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
CV Akagi screened from combat
Range closes to 17,000 yards
DM Preble engages CV Akagi at 17,000 yards
CA Aoba engages DM Preble at 17,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DM Tracy at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
DM Preble engages CV Kaga at 13,000 yards
DM Preble engages CV Hiryu at 13,000 yards
DM Preble engages CV Kaga at 13,000 yards
BB Fuso engages DM Preble at 13,000 yards
DD Suresushio engages DM Breese at 13,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DM Preble at 13,000 yards
Sargent, S.E. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CV Akagi , CV Zuikaku , CV Shokaku screened from combat
- escorted by DD Isonami
DM Preble engages CV Hiryu at 10,000 yards
DM Preble engages CV Hiryu at 10,000 yards
DM Breese engages CV Kaga at 10,000 yards
CA Aoba engages DM Preble at 10,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DM Preble at 10,000 yards
DD Suresushio engages DM Tracy at 10,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DM Tracy at 10,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DM Breese at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
CV Akagi , CV Zuikaku , CV Shokaku ,
CV Soryu , CV Hiryu , CV Kaga screened from combat
- escorted by DD Isonami , DD Makigumo
BB Fuso engages DM Preble at 17,000 yards
CA Haguro engages DM Preble at 17,000 yards
DD Suresushio engages DM Preble at 17,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages DM Tracy at 17,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DM Preble at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CV Akagi , CV Zuikaku , CV Shokaku ,
CV Soryu , CV Hiryu , CV Kaga screened from combat
- escorted by DD Suresushio , DD Isonami , DD Shinonome
DM Breese engages CV Kaga at 22,000 yards
DD Makigumo engages DM Breese at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
CV Akagi screened from combat
DM Preble engages CV Kaga at 27,000 yards
BB Fuso engages DM Breese at 27,000 yards
BB Fuso engages DM Preble at 27,000 yards
Task forces break off...

[InHarmsWay]

As daybreak broke over the 1st Air Fleet (Kido Butai), now accompanied by a smaller sister 2nd Air fleet (mini KB), air crews began their well rehearsed launch of search planes. However, the weather was very poor, indicating rough flying.

Adm Yamaguchi paced the deck looking out at the wind driven rain. He had little concern for his own safety, but was more concerned for even being able to conduct offensive strikes. The allies must be devils that conjured up this mess he fumed! Gradually as the morning progressed, multiple spotting reports came in. Of highest concern, was the loss over over 20 search planes only 12 miles to the SE, one after another. Clearly the allies were here in force! If only the weather would clear!

"Sir! The Battleship covering force has radioed they are under heavy air attack! Hundreds of planes are attacking them!"
"Where are they, the Adm asks as he strides to the Admirals plotting map on the bridge." "AND GET ME THE METEOROLOGIST!!! I need to know when this weather will clear!"

With that, Adm Yamaguchi once again began pacing the bridge, while the damage reports from the morning air strikes started coming in...

................
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,136

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 46
SBD-3 Dauntless x 75
TBD-1 Devastator x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBD-1 Devastator: 2 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Bomb hits 9, heavy fires
CA Myoko
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 3
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 8, on fire
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Kirishima
CL Kuma
CA Chikuma
DD Hamakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Nachi

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
13th Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 8000.
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Ise
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hamakaze

[InHarmsWay]

Just after 1:07PM, the weather began to settle down and Admiral Yamaguchi ordered the launch of his Alpha strike. "If only I can catch the Allies while they are refueling and rearming their planes from their first strike. Devious Adm Wa had drawn first blood, but at least most of the bombs failed to penetrate the Japanese BBs. Thank the Emperor for small favors! The damage reports were in, and hopefully this was all the allies could muster...

June 19 1942 PM surface1.jpg (264.08 KiB) Viewed 556 times

Thankfully no significant damage to the surface TF, Ise will head to Truk with the damaged Hamakaze, but the rest of the TF still has alot of fight in them!

[InHarmsWay]

The Japanese Alpha strike formed up and headed south to the location of the Allied CVs. This was the first true test of their skill against the enemy's varsity team and each flyer was keenly aware they were the Emperor's sword! About 50 miles out, a few of the more eagle eyed pilots spotted what looked like a allied strike headed north. However nothing was going to stop them from pressing home their attack. CAP over the 1st Air Fleet will surely handle any allied planes that find the fleet.

A swirling melee of escorts and CAP fighter began, while the Vals and Kate bore through as best they could. Clearly the allied had saved their best pilots for the CV air groups! Finally after 20 minutes of carnage and maham, the Japanese airgroups withdrew. Some were more confident than others, but make no mistake, it seemed all the bombs that hit the main CVs, did penetrate!
-----------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cooktown at 97,138

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 73
B5N1 Kate x 23
B5N2 Kate x 85
D3A1 Val x 110

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 12
F4F-3 Wildcat x 25
F4F-4 Wildcat x 69

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 12 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
DD Monssen
DD McCall, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Chicago, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Jarvis
DD Phelps
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Craven
DD Grayson
DD Ralph Talbot
DD Selfridge, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Gridley

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
16 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 5 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VMF-211 Det with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-212 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 10 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Enterprise
Ammo storage explosion on CV Saratoga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Saratoga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Lexington
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Chicago

[InHarmsWay]

Elation at a successful air strike quickly turned to desperation as the Senior Captain threw the Akagi into a series of desperate turns to avoid multiple bomb and torpedo attacks. The Americans were pushing their attack with skill and heroism that the IJN had not yet seen in the war. Finally after a furious 20 minutes, the Americans withdrew... However it was a smaller fleet that greeted Yamaguchi as he looked out over his ships. Fires were burning and an oil slick was all that was left of the proud BB Fuso...

--------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Cooktown at 96,135

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 114

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 46
SBD-3 Dauntless x 141
TBD-1 Devastator x 42
TBF-1 Avenger x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 18 destroyed, 28 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed by flak
TBD-1 Devastator: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Hiryu
CV Zuikaku
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Fuso, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CV Shokaku, Torpedo hits 1
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVL Shoho
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Yugumo
CV Soryu
BB Nagato
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Yudachi

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
10 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CVL Zuiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho
Magazine explodes on BB Fuso
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Kaga
Ammo storage explosion on CV Junyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Ryujo

-----------------------
Analysis tomorrow... the good Adm Harmasaki is tired and needs to think straight in planning the next days ops!!!

[InHarmsWay]

Admiral Harmasaki looks over the master plotting map in his forward HQ at Truk. It was quite a battle that Adm Yamaguchi fought earlier in the day, and the butchers bill was still being tallied. Initial losses included the BB Fuso, and CVL Zuiho. In addition, the CV Junyo may very well be lost. Current status of the KB.

June 19 1942 PM CV battle KB damage.jpg (303.16 KiB) Viewed 532 times

The next 24 hours will be critical... The good Admiral thinks through his two options, press the attack or retreat...

Retreating would likely limit further losses as all of the allied CVs were hit to some degree or another. Best guess is the Saratoga and Lexington are both out of the fight, and retreating. The Enterprise is iffy, with the Yorktown and Hornet likely fully combat capable. No allied BBs have been spotted as well...

Attacking risks the KB, especially from a night surface TF. Also, the allied CVs may be less damaged than expected. Also Air groups have been decimated from the days fighting. At least all planes were able to land at Buna, so that helped save many a valuable pilot.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and this is probably the best chance I have of crippling the Allied navy. Banzai!!!

[InHarmsWay]

Finally after much review, the plot of the Coral Sea becomes clear:

June 20 1942 PM CV battle.jpg (448.56 KiB) Viewed 531 times

Plan is as follows: Bettys and Nells with additional Zeros flown into Finnschaffen and Rabaul. KB has retaken on planes from Buna and is effectively at full compliment. KB will head SSE in the hopes of catching the Allies retreating. Subs in the area will head to Cooktown and Cairns, as well as a speed run to the south to also try and catch stragglers. The BB TF will head directly into the last location of the allied CVs (the hex with 4 TFs), and with all night float planes on search, hopefully react to any nearby allied surface TFs... I am sure I am missing something but opportunity to learn! Most recent lesson was not to set 10% of all my Vals and Kates to search, as I lost over 20 planes total to his CAP trap CV TFs.... having another 20 planes could have really made the difference! Drat!

I give Junyo about a 25% chance of making it, losing her will hurt. Currently I consider it a allied win here as all his CVs will live unless I can catch one or two. The lucky torpedo hit on Fuso was annoying. Lady luck is a fickle mistress...

Turn in my inbox... lets hope she smiles on me today!

[InHarmsWay]

Well Day 2 of the West Coral Sea battle ends up even more of a mess! Multiple night actions, the KB even had a brief run in with the damaged Lexingtion and Salt Lake City... neither side fired.

Disaster struck when the Houston, Pensacola and 3 DDs ran over the Junyo and Ryujo, sinking both. My BB TF probably bagged a several DDs and CA/CLs. The CA Australia, got close to the KB and scored a couple hits before being driven off. All in all, a melee of a night and day.

That said, in for a penny, in for a pound. KB will try one more day to catch large allied capital ships. What was disappointing was the lack of air attacks by the KB, only 4 small (6 TB, 8 Ftr) flights were made, all against single allied CA's. I likely only damaged them, so more yard work but little overall results.

Here is the next days plan. After this, I will likely retire as I feel I am pushing my luck quite a bit!

June 21 1942 PM falls and day 2 of CV battle.jpg (422.88 KiB) Viewed 520 times

Silver lining for the day was my shock attack went in at PM, resulting in the base being captured! Big win here as it would be hard to maintain pressure with half of the KB being sunk or damaged....