5/20-5/21/42
BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA.....DAYS 6 & 7
Well we had another shift in momentum over the last 48 hours. Here is how 5/20/42 started:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR May 20, 42
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Sub attack near Kirakira at 115,140
Japanese Ships
SS RO-65
Allied Ships
CL Emerald
DD Panther
SS RO-65 launches 6 torpedoes at CL Emerald
DD Panther fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Panther fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Panther fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Panther fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Panther fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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Sub attack near Kirakira at 114,141
Japanese Ships
SS I-8
Allied Ships
DD Drayton
SS I-8 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Drayton
I-8 diving deep ....
DD Drayton fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Drayton fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Drayton fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Drayton fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Drayton fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
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ASW attack near Luganville at 120,150
Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-3
Allied Ships
DD Vampire
SSX Ha-3 is located by DD Vampire
Ha-3 bottoming out ....
DD Vampire fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Vampire fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Vampire fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Vampire fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Vampire fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Adm Somerville's surface TF with 2 R class BBs attempted to sail to Lunga to defend against naval bombardments but didnt make it too far before they were spotted by a sub:
Sub attack near Lunga at 114,139
Japanese Ships
SS I-166
Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra
DD Henley
DD Stuart
DD Bulmer
SS I-166 launches 4 torpedoes at BB Revenge
I-166 diving deep ....
DD Stuart fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Bulmer fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bulmer fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bulmer fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bulmer fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bulmer fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
BB Revenge was detached wirh DD Stuart as an escort to head back to Luganville but didnt make it very far before they ran into another sub:
Sub attack near Lunga at 114,139
Japanese Ships
SS I-171
Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Stuart
SS I-171 launches 4 torpedoes at BB Revenge
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
Scratch one BB. At least DD Stuart achieved a small measure of revenge:
Sub attack near Kirakira at 114,141
Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 5
Allied Ships
DD Stuart
SS I-8 launches 2 torpedoes
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stuart attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stuart attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stuart attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stuart loses contact with SS I-8
SS I-8 eludes ASW attack from DD Stuart
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
This wasnt due to lack of trying on my part to provide ASW ship and AC coverage:
Sub attack near Kirakira at 114,141
Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 5
Allied Ships
DD Stuart
SS I-8 launches 2 torpedoes
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Stuart attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stuart attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stuart attacking submerged sub ....
DD Stuart loses contact with SS I-8
SS I-8 eludes ASW attack from DD Stuart
DD Stuart fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
TBD-1 Devastator reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports shadow in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
Walrus II reports periscope at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports diving submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports diving submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports turbulence in water at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object under water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object near surface at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports oil slick at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports suspected submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object near surface at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports oil slick at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull from VCS-4/3 attacking a Japanese SS at 116,140
a Type B1/B2 class SS is reported HIT
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports conning tower at 115, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports submarine wake at 116, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports object near surface at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports turbulence in water at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports possible submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports oil slick at 114, 139 near Lunga
SOC-1 Seagull reports conning tower at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 115, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports shadow in water at 115, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports turbulence in water at 115, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports diving submarine at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports object under water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports conning tower at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports shape below surface at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports radio transmissions at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports possible submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports object under water at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports submarine wake at 115, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports possible submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports object under water at 94, 133 near Cooktown
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 117, 142 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope wake at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 114, 139 near Lunga
C.XI-W reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports possible submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports object near surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports conning tower at 120, 150 near Luganville
Seagull V reports radio transmissions at 117, 142 near Kirakira
DB-7B reports suspected submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports suspected submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports submarine wake at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
DB-7B from No.22 Sqn RAAF attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
DB-7B reports conning tower at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
DB-7B reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports conning tower at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
DB-7B reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports conning tower at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports oil slick at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports suspected submarine at 123, 149 near Aoba Island
B-26 Marauder reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-18A Bolo reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-18A Bolo reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
A-20A Havoc reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports diving submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports turbulence in water at 123, 149 near Aoba Island
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports oil slick at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports diving submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
Walrus II reports radio transmissions at 116, 140 near Kirakira
Walrus II reports submarine at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
Walrus II reports periscope wake at 116, 140 near Kirakira
Walrus II reports possible submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shadow in water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object near surface at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object near surface at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope at 120, 150 near Luganville
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shadow in water at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object near surface at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher from VCS-9/2 attacking a Type KD6B class SS at 117,142
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 115, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports conning tower at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports suspected submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports possible submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object under water at 115, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports conning tower at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports possible submarine at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object under water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object near surface at 115, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports conning tower at 115, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports suspected submarine at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports suspected submarine at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports shape below surface at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports turbulence in water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports suspected submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports oil slick at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shadow in water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports submarine wake at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports oil slick at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine wake at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports turbulence in water at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
SOC-1 Seagull reports shadow in water at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SBC-4 Helldiver reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
SBC-4 Helldiver reports submarine at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
PBY-5 Catalina reports suspected submarine at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 115, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 114, 139 near Lunga
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope wake at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports shape below surface at 114, 139 near Lunga
PBY-5 Catalina reports oil slick at 119, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 116, 140 near Kirakira
C.XI-W reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) from No.1 Sqn RNZAF attacking a Type J1 class SS at 123,149
a Japanese SS is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) reports suspected submarine at 123, 149 near Aoba Island
Hudson III (LR) reports periscope at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports suspected submarine at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
Hudson III (LR) reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports periscope wake at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
Hudson III (LR) reports shadow in water at 123, 149 near Aoba Island
Hudson III (LR) reports oil slick at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
Hudson III (LR) from No.1 Sqn RNZAF attacking a Japanese SS at 123,149
a Type A1 class SS is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) reports object near surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports possible submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B from No.22 Sqn RAAF attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
SSX Ha-3 is reported HIT
B-26 Marauder reports suspected submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports submarine wake at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
B-26 Marauder reports conning tower at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports shape below surface at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
B-26 Marauder reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports shadow in water at 118, 147 near Torres Islands
B-26 Marauder reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports shadow in water at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports diving submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-2 attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
TBD-1 Devastator reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports diving submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports radio transmissions at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports conning tower at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking a Japanese SS at 120,149
a Type KD5 class SS is reported HIT
TBD-1 Devastator reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
TBD-1 Devastator reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports radio transmissions at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
TBD-1 Devastator reports suspected submarine at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports possible submarine at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports radio transmissions at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports oil slick at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shape below surface at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports conning tower at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object under water at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports possible submarine at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports conning tower at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 114, 141 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports possible submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 119, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull from VCS-4/3 attacking a Japanese SS at 117,142
a Type C1 class SS is reported HIT
SOC-1 Seagull reports object near surface at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object under water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports radio transmissions at 114, 139 near Lunga
SOC-1 Seagull reports object under water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shadow in water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports object under water at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports radio transmissions at 116, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports shape below surface at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports conning tower at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports oil slick at 120, 150 near Luganville
SOC-1 Seagull reports oil slick at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
SBC-4 Helldiver reports conning tower at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
SBC-4 Helldiver reports shape below surface at 120, 150 near Luganville
SBC-4 Helldiver from VMO-151 attacking a Japanese SS at 120,149
SBC-4 Helldiver reports submarine wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports oil slick at 114, 139 near Lunga
PBY-5 Catalina reports possible submarine at 114, 139 near Lunga
PBY-5 Catalina reports conning tower at 114, 141 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 116, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports suspected submarine at 119, 140 near Kirakira
C.XI-W reports possible submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
C.XI-W reports turbulence in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
C.XI-W reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
C.XI-W reports submarine wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports oil slick at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports radio transmissions at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) from No.1 Sqn RNZAF attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
Hudson III (LR) reports radio transmissions at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports periscope at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports conning tower at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Seagull V reports possible submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
Seagull V reports turbulence in water at 115, 140 near Kirakira
Seagull V reports possible submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
DB-7B reports periscope wake at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
DB-7B reports radio transmissions at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports radio transmissions at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
DB-7B reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
DB-7B reports object near surface at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
B-26 Marauder reports periscope wake at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
B-26 Marauder reports shadow in water at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
B-26 Marauder reports submarine wake at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
B-26 Marauder reports radio transmissions at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-18A Bolo reports shadow in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
A-20A Havoc reports shadow in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports possible submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports shadow in water at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports shape below surface at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine wake at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports periscope at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking a Japanese SS at 120,149
TBD-1 Devastator reports shadow in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports shape below surface at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking a Type KD4 class SS at 120,149
a Type J3 class SS is reported HIT
TBD-1 Devastator reports radio transmissions at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports shadow in water at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator reports object under water at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
TBD-1 Devastator reports periscope wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking a Type A1 class SS at 120,149
TBD-1 Devastator reports shadow in water at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
TBD-1 Devastator from VT-3 attacking SSX Ha-3 at 120,150
TBD-1 Devastator reports turbulence in water at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Walrus II reports submarine wake at 116, 140 near Kirakira
Walrus II reports conning tower at 116, 140 near Kirakira
Walrus II reports submarine at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
Walrus II reports submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
Walrus II reports object under water at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports suspected submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports possible submarine at 119, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports oil slick at 117, 142 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 114, 141 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports shadow in water at 114, 139 near Lunga
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher from VCS-4/2 attacking a Type KD7 class SS at 114,141
SOC-1 Seagull reports turbulence in water at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports turbulence in water at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports diving submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 115, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports diving submarine at 114, 141 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports periscope wake at 116, 140 near Kirakira
OS2U-3 Kingfisher reports submarine wake at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
SOC-1 Seagull reports possible submarine at 116, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
SOC-1 Seagull reports object near surface at 117, 142 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports shadow in water at 119, 140 near Kirakira
SOC-1 Seagull reports oil slick at 116, 140 near Kirakira
SBC-4 Helldiver reports periscope at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
SBC-4 Helldiver reports object near surface at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
SBC-4 Helldiver reports possible submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
SBC-4 Helldiver from VMO-151 attacking a Type KD6A class SS at 120,149
PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 115, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports conning tower at 114, 139 near Lunga
PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports turbulence in water at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports object under water at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
PBY-5 Catalina reports suspected submarine at 115, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports turbulence in water at 114, 141 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine at 114, 141 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports radio transmissions at 116, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 115, 140 near Kirakira
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 117, 138 near Stewart Island
C.XI-W reports periscope at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
C.XI-W reports diving submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports suspected submarine at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports object under water at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine wake at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports diving submarine at 120, 150 near Luganville
Hudson III (LR) reports periscope wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports radio transmissions at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports possible submarine at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
Hudson III (LR) reports submarine wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
Seagull V reports conning tower at 116, 140 near Kirakira
Seagull V reports turbulence in water at 117, 142 near Kirakira
Seagull V reports conning tower at 116, 138 near Stewart Island
DB-7B reports conning tower at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
DB-7B reports submarine wake at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
DB-7B reports object near surface at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
DB-7B reports conning tower at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports object near surface at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
B-26 Marauder reports conning tower at 120, 148 near Santa Maria
B-18A Bolo reports periscope wake at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports shadow in water at 120, 150 near Luganville
B-26 Marauder reports periscope at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
B-26 Marauder reports conning tower at 120, 149 near Santa Maria
AdmSomerville's surface TF came and went at Lunga the first night of the turn....there was no Japanewse nightime naval bombardment. All day on the 20th IJN BBs sailed just off of Guadalcanal but maddeningly only a pittance of the 60 B-26s, 50 land based DBs and 250 carrier bombers attacked them:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buka at 110,128
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 5
B-26 Marauder x 3
Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 2000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Russell Islands at 112,136
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 14
SBD-2 Dauntless x 12
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 6 destroyed
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Munda at 111,134
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
Allied aircraft
SBD-2 Dauntless x 3
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAKL Katsura Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
It seems as if the inclement weather has kept my carrier and land based bombers from flying since the Japanese Combined Fleet arrived on the scene a week ago.
Dave stood off Lunga at 8 hex range and sent a series of carrier strikes that were easily repelled by the Cactus air force at Lunga:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 114,137
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
B5N2 Kate x 13
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 53
P-40E Warhawk x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 8 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
7 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40E Warhawk (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
5 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/9th FS with P-40E Warhawk (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
28th CG/11th FS with P-39D Airacobra (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/35th FS with P-39D Airacobra (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
8th FG/36th FS with P-39D Airacobra (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
10 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/40th FS with P-39D Airacobra (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
5 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/41st FS with P-39D Airacobra (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/80th FS with P-39D Airacobra (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 114,137
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
B5N2 Kate x 18
Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 35
P-40E Warhawk x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 12 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Paladin
CL Emerald
CAP engaged:
No.75 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk IA (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/8th FS with P-40E Warhawk (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/9th FS with P-40E Warhawk (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
28th CG/11th FS with P-39D Airacobra (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
8th FG/35th FS with P-39D Airacobra (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/36th FS with P-39D Airacobra (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
35th FG/40th FS with P-39D Airacobra (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
35th FG/41st FS with P-39D Airacobra (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
8th FG/80th FS with P-39D Airacobra (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Maybe Im thinking of stock WitP but Ive never been able to make a naval bombardment work on the 2nd day of a turn. Usually the bombardment TF just gets confused and stands off the target....this has happened to me several times in the past(as the Allies) that I dont even try it any more. Dave was able to get his naval bombardment TFs to hit me on the 2nd night of the turn....they approached from the south....not from Ironbottom Sound....and the efeect was devastating:
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
DD Hayashio
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
PC Vigilant, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
ACM Sage, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
ACM Holly, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 39% moonlight: 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 9,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 10,000 yards...
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
PC Vigilant sunk by BB Yamashiro at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages ACM Sage at 12,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages ACM Sage at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages ACM Sage at 10,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages ACM Sage at 10,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages ACM Sage at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
ACM Holly sunk by BB Yamashiro at 8,000 yards
BB Ise engages ACM Sage at 8,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages ACM Sage at 8,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages ACM Sage at 8,000 yards
ACM Sage sunk by BB Ise at 8,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 6,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
DD Hayashio
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
PT-34
PT-35
PT-36, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-48, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
PT-59, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-60
PT-61, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT Q-112, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 39% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Okuma, Masakichi crosses the 'T'
PT Q-112 sunk by BB Ise at 6,000 yards
PT-61 engages DD Hayashio at 6,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages PT-36 at 6,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-34 at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
PT-48 collides with PT-59 at 114 , 138
BB Ise engages PT-61 at 4,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-60 at 4,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages PT-61 at 4,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages PT-61 at 4,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-36 at 4,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages PT-61 at 4,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-35 at 4,000 yards
Valdes W. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 2,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-61 at 2,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-36 at 2,000 yards
PT-59 sunk by BB Ise at 2,000 yards
PT-61 sunk by BB Ise at 2,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-60 at 2,000 yards
PT-48 sunk by DD Inazuma at 2,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-35 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
BB Ise engages PT-60 at 4,000 yards
PT-36 sunk by DD Inazuma at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-60 at 9,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages PT-60 at 9,000 yards
Task forces break off...
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed on ground
B-26 Marauder: 10 destroyed on ground
Kittyhawk IA: 4 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 13 destroyed on ground
Beaufighter Ic: 3 destroyed on ground
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
DD Inazuma
DD Hayashio
Allied ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (4 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 92
E8N2 Dave acting as spotter for BB Ise
BB Ise firing at Lunga
BB Yamashiro firing at Lunga
DD Inazuma firing at Lunga
DD Hayashio firing at Lunga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed on ground
B-26 Marauder: 6 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 6 destroyed on ground
Beaufighter Ic: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-2 Dauntless: 3 destroyed on ground
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed on ground
A-24 Banshee: 2 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
DD Tsuta
Allied ground losses:
203 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 8 disabled
Vehicles lost 6 (4 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 52
BB Nagato firing at Lunga
DD Tsuta firing at Lunga
On the way out the IJN bombardment TF roughly handles our blocking force at Tulagi:
Day Time Surface Combat, near Tulagi at 114,137, Range 16,000 Yards
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 2
BB Ise, Shell hits 3
DD Hayashio
DD Inazuma
Allied Ships
CL Emerald, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
DD Paladin
DD Panther
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 16,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 16,000 yards
Bettington, H.B. crosses the 'T'
BB Ise engages CL Emerald at 16,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages CL Emerald at 16,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages CL Emerald at 16,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages CL Emerald at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Emerald at 14,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages CL Emerald at 14,000 yards
DD Paladin engages DD Hayashio at 14,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages CL Emerald at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
BB Ise engages CL Emerald at 12,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Panther at 12,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Panther at 12,000 yards
DD Panther engages DD Hayashio at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Emerald engages BB Ise at 10,000 yards
DD Panther engages BB Yamashiro at 10,000 yards
DD Panther engages DD Inazuma at 10,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Paladin at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CL Emerald engages DD Hayashio at 7,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages CL Emerald at 7,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Paladin at 7,000 yards
DD Panther engages DD Hayashio at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages CL Emerald at 11,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages DD Panther at 11,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Paladin at 11,000 yards
DD Paladin engages DD Hayashio at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
CL Emerald sunk by BB Yamashiro at 15,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Paladin at 15,000 yards
DD Panther engages DD Hayashio at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Panther at 18,000 yards
DD Inazuma engages DD Paladin at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Panther at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
BB Ise engages DD Paladin at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
Task forces break off...
95 Allied AC are destroyed on the ground. Worse...the Lunga AF has both runway and service damage over 70%.
The Japanese carrier strikes resumed the next day and Cactus air force was put out of action:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tassafaronga at 113,137
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A1 Val x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Paladin, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
DD Panther
Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Paladin
The Allied shock attack to capture Tulagi was close but no cigar:
Ground combat at Tulagi (114,137)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 5697 troops, 146 guns, 188 vehicles, Assault Value = 169
Defending force 1815 troops, 21 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 42
Allied adjusted assault: 205
Japanese adjusted defense: 79
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 3)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)
Japanese ground losses:
159 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Assaulting units:
182nd Infantry Regiment
108th Infantry Regiment
Defending units:
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
7th Base Force /1
Ground combat at Tulagi (114,137)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 5656 troops, 146 guns, 187 vehicles, Assault Value = 168
Defending force 1699 troops, 21 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 39
Allied adjusted assault: 66
Japanese adjusted defense: 58
Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
223 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Assaulting units:
182nd Infantry Regiment
108th Infantry Regiment
Defending units:
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
7th Base Force /1
USMC paratroops on Russel Is. continued to mop up Japanese stragglers:
Ground combat at Russell Islands (113,136)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 475 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 192
Defending force 505 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 17
Allied adjusted assault: 12
Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 12 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Assaulting units:
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
2nd Marine Raider Battalion
161st Infantry Regiment
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
Defending units:
Maizuru 1st SNLF /1
Ground combat at Russell Islands (113,136)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 475 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 194
Defending force 478 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 14
Allied adjusted assault: 13
Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 13 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), preparation(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Assaulting units:
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
2nd Marine Raider Battalion
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
I will add one of the infantry regiments to the attack next turn now that it has rested a bit.
On Guadalcanal...the 2 USMC raiders reach Tassafaronga this turn and an attack will be ordered when the tank battalion arrives next turn.
Ive attached a screenshot of the current situation in the Solomons/Coral Sea. Unfortunately the Cactus air force squadrons took on plane replacements after they were bombarded so now out of 238 AC at Lunga 140 are not operational. I really srewed up here. In retrospect I would have been better off to have parked all my BBs and surface TFs at Lunga under a 200 fighter CAP and just dared Dave to attack. Now.....Lunga is shut down.
The Cactus air force destroyed 18 more A6M2s(about 10 were carrier fighters) and 44 Kates this turn. With Dave losing 70-90 A6M2s and 44 Kates over the last 2 turns I was tempted to take on 7 CVs/2 CVLs/2 CVEs with 4 USN CVs/3 RN CVs/1 RN CVL but the numbers just dont make sense. If I try to put the Allied BBs at Lunga next turn to prevent further bombardments and try to repair the AF I have to engage KB and all its friends. Dave apparently loaded up his CVs/CVLs/CVEs with extra Kates at the expense of fighters...he wants to make sure he destroys whatever he engages. With 350 Japanese carrier bombers vs 250 Allied carrier bombers.....many of them obsolescent TBDs and British biplane TBs....there is no way I can rationalize exposing the Allied carriers to a defeat in detail. Beyond the carrier menace...the number and position of the IJN subs makes manuever or even reinforcement of Lunga nearly impossible.
Reluctantly....Ive decided to withdraw the Allied carriers back to the New Hebrides. The Battle of the Coral Sea is now over....and it was a clear cut Japanese victory.
The Allied troops on the ground at Russell Is. and Guadalcanal are secure for now. With over 7000 supplies on Russell Is. and 20,000 supplies on Guadalcanal the ground troops should be able to eliminate the remaining Japanese defenders and then dig in against the inevitable Japanese offensive. Unfortuantely at Tulagi...Dave was able to fly in another 1000 troops after he put Cactus AF out of action and now can reinforce at his leisure while the US Army troops there are low on supplies...the 2 regiments on Tulagi are basically toast.
I need a few days to complete temporary repairs on CV Lex....and then conduct sea trials to see if the patch over the torpedo damage will hold. CV Wasp will traverse the Panama Canal in 14 days and then speed to the south Pacific. I think that Guadalcanal should be able to hold out until late June when hopefully with 6 USV CVs and another 170 AC I have a better chance of taking on the Japanese carriers.
I tried to airlift construction engineers into Russell Is. last turn but the PBYs didnt fly. I need to get the level 1 AF on Russell Is. up and running as well as build an AF at Tassafaronga. I converted the first TBD squadron to Avengers this turn. Most of the Allied capital ships have 6-10% sys damage from all the manuvering so it would be good to do some maintenance and upgrade the fighters and TBs before seeking battle with KB again.
As for the Cactus AF....I pulled out all the operational AC this turn and will try to extricate as many of the damaged AC as possible.
