Too much Iron in my Diet - Mundy(A) vs KenchiSulla (J)

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: Sangeli
Oh yes, I understand the real life physics behind this. But is this modeled in the game? As in, can anyone post a combat report of USN CAs sinking a BB? Or at least heavy fires/heavy damage?

I can show you one where 4 Baltimores + 8 Fletchers where smacked around something fierce by Kirishima + 4 DDs eventually sinking 2 Baltimores and crippling a third. Damage to Kirishima was negligible.

Not a pleasant experience.... [:(]

[BBfanboy]

In my current Marianas scenario, my three Baltimores performed dismally in shore bombardment so I checked the skippers - they should never have been allowed to leave the Naval Academy! I put good skippers in them and the next several bombardments have been stellar!

[Capt. Harlock]

MV plus a good angle of impact, virtually 90º to the armour face. The USN also had a "super heavy" 8" AP shell that weighed a whopping 355 lbs., compared to around 250 lbs. for those in most other navies (42% heavier). I am unsure whether the shell was used at Guadalcanal.

Very unlikely. The "super-heavy" shells were fired by the guns on the Baltimore-class CA's. AFAIK none of the earlier classes were retrofitted with that model.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Mundy


You know when you create a task force after the first, and, by default, they get the same course setting? Happened to me. The surface forces I set up at Sydney are now sitting at Melbourne. [:@]

This is VERY handy when sending the thundering herds from Manila. Once you set the first TF to home port at Balikpapan and destination Balikpapan every TF you create after it has the same setting and all you have to do is hit 'return to Balikpapan' button before setting course parameters to Direct and Threat Tolerance to Absolute.

Also handy for resetting the base for the subs at Manila before giving them a patrol order.

Very easy to over come though by hitting the 'back' button on the TF interface to take you back to the 'ships in port' interface before creating the next TF.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: Mundy


You know when you create a task force after the first, and, by default, they get the same course setting? Happened to me. The surface forces I set up at Sydney are now sitting at Melbourne. [:@]

This is VERY handy when sending the thundering herds from Manila. Once you set the first TF to home port at Balikpapan and destination Balikpapan every TF you create after it has the same setting and all you have to do is hit 'return to Balikpapan' button before setting course parameters to Direct and Threat Tolerance to Absolute.

Also handy for resetting the base for the subs at Manila before giving them a patrol order.

Very easy to over come though by hitting the 'back' button on the TF interface to take you back to the 'ships in port' interface before creating the next TF.

I'm confused by the idea of sending all the TFs to the same place with the same routing Direct/Absolute - wouldn't you want to scatter them somewhat? Did you use waypoints for that?
If a lot of the single ship TFs end up in one hex, an air strike will treat them as one target and could clean up the lot.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: Mundy


You know when you create a task force after the first, and, by default, they get the same course setting? Happened to me. The surface forces I set up at Sydney are now sitting at Melbourne. [:@]

This is VERY handy when sending the thundering herds from Manila. Once you set the first TF to home port at Balikpapan and destination Balikpapan every TF you create after it has the same setting and all you have to do is hit 'return to Balikpapan' button before setting course parameters to Direct and Threat Tolerance to Absolute.

Also handy for resetting the base for the subs at Manila before giving them a patrol order.

Very easy to over come though by hitting the 'back' button on the TF interface to take you back to the 'ships in port' interface before creating the next TF.

IIRC it was a player request and is very popular. Certainly with me. Anytime you are viewing an existing TF and create a new one, it gets destination and home port the same (but nothing else that I noticed). If you are viewing the port or the base and create a TF, tehn home port and destination are both set to that base.

[Mundy]

Yeah, it's handy. It just requires care when the different task forces have different missions.

30 July 1943

Fightin' time.

The events in this one played out strangely. The Kongo task force showed up at Sydney and wiped the coastal minelayers there. That was probably right before my cruiser/destroyer force showed up at Sydney. I had them at flank speed to make it. What they did run into was a second battleship force with bigger ships. It looks like there were three BB TFs. Two built around Kongos and one with the big stuff.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Sydney at 90,167, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Kirishima
DD Shigure
DD Murasame
DD Sazanami
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
AMc Uki, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Coolbar, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Orara, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 7% moonlight: 10,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 10,000 yards
BB Kirishima fires at AMc Orara at 10,000 yards
BB Kongo fires at AMc Coolbar at 10,000 yards
AMc Uki sunk by BB Kirishima at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
AMc Orara sunk by BB Kirishima at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
AMc Coolbar sunk by BB Kirishima at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


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

Night Time Surface Combat, near Sydney at 90,167, Range 6,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 7
BB Yamato, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 5, on fire
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 6
DD Uranami, Shell hits 2
DD Shikinami
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Tadeshiwa, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Vincennes, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA Wichita, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Chevalier, Shell hits 1
DD Mugford
DD Cushing, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Tucker
DD Phelps, Shell hits 2
DD Monaghan, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Dale, Shell hits 2
DD Nepal

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 7% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 6,000 yards
CA Wichita fires at DD Minazuki at 6,000 yards
CA Wichita fires at BB Ise at 6,000 yards
CA Wichita fires at BB Yamato at 6,000 yards
DD Monaghan launches Torpedoes at DD Minazuki at 6,000 yards
DD Phelps launches Torpedoes at BB Mutsu at 6,000 yards
DD Monaghan launches Torpedoes at DD Minazuki at 6,000 yards
DD Cushing launches Torpedoes at DD Minazuki at 6,000 yards
DD Phelps fires at DD Shikinami at 6,000 yards
DD Chevalier launches Torpedoes at DD Uranami at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CA Wichita at 2,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Phelps at 2,000 yards
DD Cushing engages BB Yamato at 2,000 yards
DD Minazuki sunk by DD Dale at 2,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Cushing at 2,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Shikinami at 2,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CA Wichita at 2,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages DD Uranami at 2,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Uranami at 2,000 yards
DD Dale engages BB Mutsu at 2,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Tadeshiwa at 2,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Dale at 2,000 yards
DD Tadeshiwa engages DD Tucker at 2,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Shikinami at 2,000 yards
DD Monaghan sunk by DD Uranami at 2,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Nagatsuki at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CA Vincennes at 7,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages CA Vincennes at 7,000 yards
DD Nepal engages BB Yamato at 7,000 yards
DD Tadeshiwa engages DD Dale at 7,000 yards
DD Dale engages DD Tadeshiwa at 7,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Tucker at 7,000 yards
DD Cushing engages DD Satsuki at 7,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Satsuki at 7,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Chevalier at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CA Wichita engages DD Nagatsuki at 5,000 yards
CA Vincennes sunk by BB Ise at 5,000 yards
DD Tadeshiwa engages DD Nepal at 5,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages CA Wichita at 5,000 yards
DD Tadeshiwa engages DD Mugford at 5,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Nagatsuki at 5,000 yards
DD Tadeshiwa engages DD Cushing at 5,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Mugford at 5,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Chevalier at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
DD Tadeshiwa sunk by CA Wichita at 3,000 yards
BB Yamato engages CA Wichita at 3,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages CA Wichita at 3,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Chevalier at 3,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Chevalier at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CA Wichita at 5,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Cushing at 5,000 yards
DD Cushing sunk by BB Yamato at 5,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages DD Phelps at 5,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Tucker at 5,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Chevalier at 5,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Shikinami at 5,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Satsuki at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CA Wichita at 8,000 yards
BB Ise engages CA Wichita at 8,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Phelps at 8,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages CA Wichita at 8,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Nagatsuki at 8,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Shikinami at 8,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Phelps at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Nepal at 11,000 yards
Massive explosion on DD Dale
BB Yamato engages DD Dale at 11,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages CA Wichita at 11,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Tucker at 11,000 yards
DD Mugford engages DD Satsuki at 11,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Chevalier at 11,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Phelps at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Nepal at 8,000 yards
DD Dale engages DD Uranami at 8,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 8,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Tucker at 8,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Mugford at 8,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Chevalier at 8,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Shikinami at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Nepal at 11,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Dale at 11,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 11,000 yards
DD Satsuki engages DD Mugford at 11,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Nagatsuki at 11,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Shikinami at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I did get my hits in, and it was nice to see a BB on fire. My cruisers were landing plenty of 8-inch hits on everybody. Sydney did get bombarded, but there were no aircraft casualties. All I had at Newcastle were some ground oriented LCUs. I'm wondering if the airfield there has some kind of "non-coastal" flag activated there. Unfortunately, none of the SBD and escorts decided to fly, despite everyone being in range. All his ships were about six hexes east moving easterly.

The resulting bombardments.

Night Naval bombardment of Sydney at 90,167 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

29 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Kirishima
North Fortress firing at BB Kirishima
BB Kirishima firing at North Fortress
North Fortress firing at BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at North Fortress


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

Night Naval bombardment of Sydney at 90,167 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

36 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise, Shell hits 1
BB Yamato
BB Mutsu

Allied ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

E8N2 Dave acting as spotter for BB Hyuga
Banks Fortress firing at BB Hyuga
BB Hyuga firing at Banks Fortress
BB Ise firing at Banks Fortress
Banks Fortress firing at BB Ise
BB Yamato firing at North Fortress
North Fortress firing at BB Yamato
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Mutsu
BB Mutsu firing at G/H Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
G/H Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment firing at BB Mutsu

Night Naval bombardment of Newcastle at 92,166

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei

Allied ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Hiei
BB Hiei firing at 9th Australian Division

After the Newcastle hit, I was suspecting a landing was coming, but it doesn't look to be the case.

KB took a shot at the surviving ships there.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sydney at 90,167

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 140 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 157
B6N2 Jill x 25
D4Y1 Judy x 24
D4Y2 Judy x 17

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 7
P-38G Lightning x 10
P-39N1 Airacobra x 14
F4U-1 Corsair x 5
F6F-3 Hellcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 8 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 2 damaged
D4Y2 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-39N1 Airacobra: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Dale, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Phelps
DD Mugford, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Chevalier
DD Nepal
DD Tucker

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
25 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-212 with F4U-1 Corsair (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VMF-216 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
No.82 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
35th FG/39th FS with P-38G Lightning (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
35th FG/41st FS with P-39N1 Airacobra (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

And finally, some Mitchells did range out to catch some Kongos. They slipped right past the George CAP for no losses there.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lord Howe Island at 100,169

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 24

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 3
DD Asagiri

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1/A with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
251 Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
251 Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

Was it worth it? I'm not sure. Losing the CAs hurt, but I did land plenty of hits in return and bagged a couple destroyers. Maybe he'll have trouble with the burning battleship. Australia suffered no real pain in this, so I like to think I may have disrupted things.

[Mundy]

31 July 1943

Most of his ships are hanging out at Lord Howe. Must be the new forward base of choice right now. It could be a promising target for heavy bombers later on sometime. If he starts disbanding ships there -- especially carriers, I'll jump on them quickly.

Quiet turn otherwise.

About 40k in supplies unloaded from Abadan. Three convoys from Cape Town are now on map with a total of about 330k in supply. We'll see how that works.

[BBfanboy]

He will have an AE/AKE support at Lord Howe island. If it is still a small port a sub could get at it.

[Mundy]

That's my guess too.

Everyone's sortied out again and they're between Lord Howe and Australia. No sorties flew on my end again. [:@] There was a cloud over his task forces. Next turn is supposed to be clear and sunny.

[Sangeli]

ORIGINAL: Mundy
Was it worth it? I'm not sure. Losing the CAs hurt, but I did land plenty of hits in return and bagged a couple destroyers. Maybe he'll have trouble with the burning battleship. Australia suffered no real pain in this, so I like to think I may have disrupted things.

Well the BB was seen in later combat reports and it wasn't on fire so the IJN damage control teams did their job. I'm sure the BBs have some system damage that will need to be repaired. Losing some DDs isn't great for Japan but unlike bigger more expensive ships the Japanese are still going to be cranking out new ones till the last day of the war. Anyways, I'm not sure what else you could have expected sortieing against a far superior force.

I'm very surprised that the bombardments didn't catch any planes on the ground. Could be because the BBs expended some shells and OP points in those surface engagements.

The real question is what is the end here for Japan? Why bring the KB and these BBs? Surely Japan has something in mind for the next few days. Though I will say that the lack of any aircraft or airfield bombardment may have thrown a wrench into Japanese plans. CF probably assumed he could suppress the AF with that bombardment of Sydney. But at this point he could withdraw and claim a minor tactical victory anyway.

[Sangeli]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

He will have an AE/AKE support at Lord Howe island. If it is still a small port a sub could get at it.

Actually that's a perfect target for Mundy's heavy bombers with the KB having sortied. I say let the big boys fly! Sinking them will have a large effect on the Japanese operations out of proportion to their VP score.

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: Mundy


You know when you create a task force after the first, and, by default, they get the same course setting? Happened to me. The surface forces I set up at Sydney are now sitting at Melbourne. [:@]

This is VERY handy when sending the thundering herds from Manila. Once you set the first TF to home port at Balikpapan and destination Balikpapan every TF you create after it has the same setting and all you have to do is hit 'return to Balikpapan' button before setting course parameters to Direct and Threat Tolerance to Absolute.

Also handy for resetting the base for the subs at Manila before giving them a patrol order.

Very easy to over come though by hitting the 'back' button on the TF interface to take you back to the 'ships in port' interface before creating the next TF.

I'm confused by the idea of sending all the TFs to the same place with the same routing Direct/Absolute - wouldn't you want to scatter them somewhat? Did you use waypoints for that?
If a lot of the single ship TFs end up in one hex, an air strike will treat them as one target and could clean up the lot.

You have to remember that I play the AI. It only comes after the thundering herd with subs and surface raiders. No air threat.


A Direct, Absolute, Full Speed run to Balikpapan usually results in only a handful of losses to subs.

A few more are lost to subs in the in the straits between Borneo and Celebes.

I typically send them out in single ship TFs except the valuable support ships that group with an ASW escort.

[BBfanboy]

Thanks for clarifying Hans B. That makes sense now.

[Mundy]

02 August 1943

Sydney, Part II.

If you haven't read Cannonfodder's post on the main forum, here's what happened the second time. I only lost one destroyer out of the deal.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Sydney at 90,167, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 4
DD Shigure
DD Murasame
DD Ayanami
DD Asagiri
DD Sazanami, Shell hits 2
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
DD Chevalier, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Tucker, Shell hits 2
DD Phelps
DD Nepal

Reduced sighting due to 0% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 0% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Chevalier at 11,000 yards
BB Hiei engages DD Chevalier at 11,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Chevalier at 11,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages DD Mutsuki at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Chevalier at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Chevalier engages BB Kirishima at 5,000 yards
BB Hiei engages DD Chevalier at 5,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Mutsuki at 5,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Chevalier at 5,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Sazanami at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Nepal at 4,000 yards
BB Hiei engages DD Chevalier at 4,000 yards
DD Tucker engages BB Kongo at 4,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Nepal at 4,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Nepal at 4,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Shigure at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 3,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Chevalier at 3,000 yards
BB Hiei engages DD Chevalier at 3,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Tucker at 3,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Tucker at 3,000 yards
DD Murasame engages DD Nepal at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Chevalier at 7,000 yards
DD Murasame engages DD Phelps at 7,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Chevalier at 7,000 yards
DD Shigure engages DD Chevalier at 7,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Sazanami at 7,000 yards
DD Shigure engages DD Nepal at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Chevalier at 8,000 yards
DD Shigure engages DD Phelps at 8,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Tucker at 8,000 yards
DD Mutsuki engages DD Chevalier at 8,000 yards
DD Shigure engages DD Chevalier at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Nepal engages DD Asagiri at 12,000 yards
BB Hiei engages DD Phelps at 12,000 yards
BB Kongo engages DD Chevalier at 12,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages DD Chevalier at 12,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages DD Tucker at 12,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Chevalier at 12,000 yards
DD Shigure engages DD Chevalier at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...


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

Day Time Surface Combat, near Sydney at 90,167, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Yamato, Shell hits 1
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
DD Uranami
DD Shikinami
DD Satsuki
DD Nagatsuki

Allied Ships
DD Tucker, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Phelps, Shell hits 1
DD Nepal, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 23,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages DD Nepal at 23,000 yards
Clark, M.J. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 17,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Nepal at 17,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 17,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages DD Nepal at 17,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Phelps at 17,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Tucker at 17,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Shikinami at 17,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Tucker at 17,000 yards
Clark, M.J. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 16,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Phelps at 16,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Nepal at 16,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages DD Tucker at 16,000 yards
DD Nagatsuki engages DD Tucker at 16,000 yards
DD Uranami engages DD Tucker at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 18,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Nepal at 18,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Nepal at 18,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Phelps at 18,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Uranami at 18,000 yards
Clark, M.J. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range increases to 20,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages DD Phelps at 20,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 20,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 20,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Phelps at 20,000 yards
BB Mutsu engages DD Nepal at 20,000 yards
DD Tucker engages DD Satsuki at 20,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Phelps at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Nepal at 22,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Nepal at 22,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages DD Phelps at 22,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 22,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Nepal at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Nepal at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Phelps at 24,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Nepal at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages DD Nepal at 26,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Tucker at 26,000 yards
BB Yamato engages DD Nepal at 26,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
Clark, M.J. orders Allied TF to disengage
Task forces break off...

I also got a bit of a bonus out of it. Too bad Yamato couldn't have run into five...

TF 16 encounters mine field at Sydney (90,167)

Japanese Ships
DD Mutsuki, Mine hits 1



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

TF 174 encounters mine field at Sydney (90,167)

Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

And then the bombardment. No aircraft losses, though the bases themselves are pretty messed up.

Night Naval bombardment of Sydney at 90,167 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

39 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei, Shell hits 2
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 34

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Kirishima
North Fortress firing at BB Kirishima
BB Kirishima firing at North Fortress
North Fortress firing at BB Hiei
BB Hiei firing at North Fortress
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at Sydney


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

Night Naval bombardment of Sydney at 90,167 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

109 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Nachi, Shell hits 3
CA Haguro, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Myoko

Allied ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 28

CA Suzuya firing at Sydney
CA Nachi firing at North Fortress
North Fortress firing at CA Nachi
CA Haguro firing at North Fortress
North Fortress firing at CA Haguro
CA Myoko firing at Sydney


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

Night Naval bombardment of Sydney at 90,167 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamato
BB Mutsu

Allied ground losses:
592 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 31

BB Hyuga firing at North Fortress
North Fortress firing at BB Hyuga
BB Ise firing at Sydney
BB Yamato firing at Sydney
BB Mutsu firing at Sydney

I had a few lame air attacks in return from Brisbane.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Newcastle at 95,169

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 89

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Amagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Katsuragi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 33220.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 33220.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 33220.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Newcastle at 95,169

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 89

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
P-38H Lightning x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 2 plane(s) with no ordnance
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
2 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Amagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Katsuragi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 33220.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 33220.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 33220.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Newcastle at 94,168

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Taiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
Unryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead

Of course, no Lightnings deemed them fit for escort, for the most part. I've moved in five squadrons of B-24s to Brisbane and they'll port strike Lord Howe next turn. KB will probably be there by then, but given enough numbers I'll probably muscle on through. I may even get escorts there, since they're American bombers.

I've got another 100k+ supply convoy for Karachi loading up.

[Sangeli]

I think you might be wise to save your B-25D1s trained in LowN for action against enemy merchant rather than using them against CAP covered combat vessels. I don't think they are particularly well suited in that role since AA is pretty devastating at 1k feet, their armament of 500lb bombs and machine guns isn't too scary, and its nearly impossible to get them escorts flying that low. On the other hand, the extra range compared to dive bombers makes them a very effective anti-shipping platform. Looking at the combat reports you have posted here I discovered there aren't any instances where B-25D1s have caused serious damage to any navy combat ships flying a LowN strike but they have taken down a number of merchant vessels in that role. Given the relative scarcity of the plane and the specialized nature of LowN pilots, saving them for the anti-ship seems to be a good move. Maybe you could make a case for attacking DD and cruiser fleets that don't have LRCAP but even then they don't seem too effective.

Also the lack of aircraft casualties at Sydney is really baffling me. Something must have changed in the last few years. I remember in my last game when Australia was invaded I built Sydney to a level 9 airbase and as a result based my heavy bombers there. A single Japanese BB bombardment destroyed no less than 40 of my 4E to my dismay. I thought maybe it was an issue with level 9 air bases getting the overstacking penalty when the manual says they should not. I guess this suggest in fact there was a bug and it has since been fixed.

[BBfanboy]

I wonder if detection levels and fort levels could explain the difference in bombardment results. I have just bombarded Saipan with three TFs totalling four BBs and 5 CAs for a couple of port hits and one supply hit. I had not had recent recon because of weather and the forts there are high level.
OTOH my recent bombardment of Tinian (D/L 9/10, Forts 3) devastated the defenders and made for an easy invasion.

[witpqs]

DL does make a difference.

[Mundy]

03 August 1943

Mostly quiet.

CF has lots of shipping near Lord Howe. Some TFs are hanging around the island, while carriers and the bombardiers are about halfway between LH and Australia. No idea what his endgame is with these. It feels like an invasion, but I haven't seen much transport-wise yet.

Disappointing raid by my heavies.

Morning Air attack on Lord Howe Island , at 100,169

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 36
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 29

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9
P-38G Lightning x 15
P-38H Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 25000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (12 airborne, 24 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
264th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (9 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

9/60 flew this. At least the escorts were there.

[Mundy]

04 August 1943

Air action.

CF took a shot at Townsville today. My fighter strength was a bit low, as I had lots of them down south and some resting after a long CAP spell. Fortunately, damage was minimal and he took his lumps. I've moved some 40s and Jugs there to help, but I'm assuming this was a one-shot thing. Both of us have learned not to repeat attacks too often.

Morning Air attack on Townsville , at 92,144

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 123 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 44
G3M3 Nell x 37

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 6 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 8 damaged

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 18000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
6 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 18000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb
6 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 18000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.54 Sqn RAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Townsville , at 92,144

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 21

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 9 destroyed, 3 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAP Nairana, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 18000 feet
Port Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.54 Sqn RAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 13 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes

My Lord Howe raid was weak. It turns out, I got careless and only one Lib squadron was set to attack. I thought I clicked the "all level bombers" button, but I didn't. We'll see how next turn pans out. A bunch of ships are sitting 6-8 hexes SW of there. Time to move some subs in, I think.

Got two shots at his ships. The SBDs, as usual got creamed, while the B-25s slipped under his CAP. I don't favor Mitchells vs his warships, but if he's shipping supply in the middle of all this, it's hard to make assignments. I took the SBD-5s off their drop tanks.

Morning Air attack on Lord Howe Island , at 100,169

Weather in hex: Light rain

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

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 34

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 5
P-38H Lightning x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 25000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (11 airborne, 23 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lord Howe Island at 100,169

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 27

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 5 destroyed

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (27 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(27 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
27 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lord Howe Island at 100,169

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 27

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Michishio
CA Suzuya
DD Minegumo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing and strafing from low level *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
251 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

Myoko lost a set of torpedo tubes in this.