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But Xmas is not just WitpAE....

Here's me at yesterday Xmas party....a bit, just a bit, drunk....

Well you look a bit sideways but all in all I've seen worse pictures of you at a party. Merry Christmas!

ORIGINAL: JohnDillworth

But Xmas is not just WitpAE....

Here's me at yesterday Xmas party....a bit, just a bit, drunk....

Well you look a bit sideways but all in all I've seen worse pictures of you at a party. Merry Christmas!

[:D] To you John!

Waiting for QBall to attend to his Xmas family duties, i'll have another look at my R&D program.

As you know, i have focused my limited resources (remember the flaw we have in this Mod where supply is a HUGE problem for Japan) more on the aircraft R&D than on anything "naval oriented". In fact i haven't expand any naval or merchant yard and have halted a lot of ships.

So far, despite some bad mistakes made initially, i've recovered and the R&D program is going smooth.

NAVY:
N1K1 is already in production. 100 Georges are being produced monthly and soon we'll be able to equip the first 27 plane Daitai.
N1K2 should arrive by 1/1944....which isn't bad. Than this "family line" will be stopped and we won't R&D the N1K5-J anymore.

J2M3 (you'll remember that we decided to skip the J2M2 for technical reasons): should be available by 9/43.

P1Y1 (Frances): this should arrive by 3/43. Still unsure if i want to keep on investing in the next models... the P1Y2 has Radar but is somehow slower than the first version.... and the P1Y3 carries the Ohka (mind you, the second version of the Ohka) but i wonder if it's any good to spend time and supplies to invest. I doubt. Any thoughts?

Betty: i'm not R&D anything here. I'm just having a stopped R&D factory for the G4M2e (the one who carries the first version of the Ohka) so that i'll be able to start producing them as soon as they become available (11/44).

Norm: same for the Betty. I'm keeping a factory just to be able to start producing them by 8/43 when they are scheldued to arrive. I'm planning to build 60 of them monthly.

Q1W1: a factory is devoted to it. I'll probably be able to get it by 1/44 but will produce them in limited numbers...probably "only" 40/monthly...they will work ONLY in japanese waters due to their horrible range.

A7M2: Sam. i have 5 factories R&Ding it. But i have made some hard mistakes upon it so i think i'll get it only by 4/45, not before

The whole Zero line has been stopped with the arrival of the A6M5. Won't build anything else.

D4Y3 Judy will be available by 11/43

Grace will be available by 2/44

Second generation of Jills will be online by 6/43

IJAF:

KI-84a: The first model of the Frank will be available by 8/43 if God's good.
KI-84r: The second version should be available anytime by second half of 44.
KI-84b: this great plane (the best japanese fighter hands down) should arrive by 11/44

KI-102b (the Randy will substitute the Nick): should be available by 2/44

KI-44c will be online by april 1943 but won't see any action untill august 1943 (I'm auto-limiting myself here cause i think the Tojo line is way too easy to research)

KI-67T should be online by 10/43 (hopefully)

KI-83... well, too late anyway[:(]

Why you handsome rake: you do seem to have recovered well from your visit to the Dreadfort dungeons.  Amazing what a little hope, tenderness from the loving Valentina and excellent nutrition can do.
 
But, why oh why do you persist in setting your CAP at 40%.  If you do the math, you will see why only 11 Tojos and 11 Zeros responded.  I believe that explains why so few Tojos and other interceptors responded to the call.  Perhaps I am wrong, but that is not how I play CAP.  I set CAP at 100% of the squadrons on CAP... always.  Then, as fatigue builds for a given squadron, I rest it for a turn.  The lads are free to seek companionship, liquor, gambling or just lounge around for that day.  I have never had any problem with those A/C assigned to CAP not responding.
 
Yes, it is true I have limited knowledge in this area, and you should rely on your military advisor, NY Gaints, for military advice. However,  I have mentioned this before....yet you persist.  And, Greyjoy, you KNOW how I detest having to repeat myself.  CAP at 100% with those assigned to CAP.  See how it works for you, lad.  If I have to REMIND you of this again, it will be with the snap of the whip!  That satisfied (okay, maybe a little drunk) smile will not mar your handsome features should that come to pass.
 
Bolton

ORIGINAL: princep01

Why you handsome rake: you do seem to have recovered well from your visit to the Dreadfort dungeons.  Amazing what a little hope, tenderness from the loving Valentina and excellent nutrition can do.

But, why oh why do you persist in setting your CAP at 40%.  If you do the math, you will see why only 11 Tojos and 11 Zeros responded.  I believe that explains why so few Tojos and other interceptors responded to the call.  Perhaps I am wrong, but that is not how I play CAP.  I set CAP at 100% of the squadrons on CAP... always.  Then, as fatigue builds for a given squadron, I rest it for a turn.  The lads are free to seek companionship, liquor, gambling or just lounge around for that day.  I have never had any problem with those A/C assigned to CAP not responding.

Yes, it is true I have limited knowledge in this area, and you should rely on your military advisor, NY Gaints, for military advice. However,  I have mentioned this before....yet you persist.  And, Greyjoy, you KNOW how I detest having to repeat myself.  CAP at 100% with those assigned to CAP.  See how it works for you, lad.  If I have to REMIND you of this again, it will be with the snap of the whip!  That satisfied (okay, maybe a little drunk) smile will not mar your handsome features should that come to pass.

Bolton

My experience with CAP is also limited but i have good results with flying 60%CAP, 20%rest. In Burma and other places where i have mutually supported AF i give my squadrons range seatings to 2 or 3.
So far it works good. Fatigue is below 10, units are regaining morale fast, and almost always i have most of planes on position.

My take on CAP:

60% is high but can be sustained for a short time.

The fatigue the pilots sustain is a result of various factors. One is the size of the airfield; when you have the luxury of flying out of a very large airfield the pilots take less fatigue. Another is the level of enemy activity; more enemy activity seems to result in more fatigue, even if just from chasing search planes all over. I know the "Rest" percentage helps, but then those pilots will not scramble off the ground in response to a raid so I don't use it.

100% is just plain crazy and often results in fewer aircraft against a raid because you can get caught with all 100% on the ground refueling when the raid arrives. I'm not saying that the code tracks CAP all day long between raids (but maybe it does for all I know), but I feel sure it at least applies some randomness to decide when during the CAP cycle a raid arrives. If you have success with 100% , well then you do. But I've seen many players post a query that they had 100% CAP and why was CAP response so poor for them?

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

But Xmas is not just WitpAE....

Here's me at yesterday Xmas party....a bit, just a bit, drunk....

You mean to tell me that you don't look like the "cool" guy lighting up the cigarette under your name? Boy, do I find that disappointing....[:D]

Guys, as far as i know, CAP at 40% means that 40% of the squadrons will always be on COSTANT air patrol, while the rest will be available for escort duties. IF no escort is performed (say 0 range), then the 60% of the squadron SHOULD be available for scramble when an enemy raid arrives.
As long as my experience grows i'm finding out that the witpqs's view about the 100% CAP routine is correct. With 100% CAP you're risking a lot of getting your patrol completely out of position when an enemy arrives (say for example that in the afternoon phase, when the 100% of your planes are refueling from the morning mission, you won't have a single plane on CAP)....

Still, sometimes 40% CAP works horribly...sometimes all the 60% of the grounded squadron scramble... i think it's just a matter of many many factors and variables...


Feb 07, 43

The Babar invasion was a feint...another one....[:@]
While the rossell invasion seems to be for real... but i think Brad is now abbandoning the idea[:D]

The enemy regrouped 4 hexes south of Tugala Island... the whole modern Fleet seems to be there, included all of his CVs!!!! He didn't land... he probably wanted to engage with a surface fight at night....my Jakes on night search spotted a huge BB TF sweeping Rossell Island, while Tanaka's TF was waiting 4 hexes north, east of Woodlark is.... waiting for? Waiting for the KB. Nagumo and Yamaguchi arrived at flank speed from Truk. orders were given when we spotted the enemy CVEs 6 days ago near Noumea.
We ended up 9 hexes north from the enemy CVs [:@] and 8 hexes north from the enemy invasion fleet (which seems pretty little in terms of transports to be honest).

My Betties striked from Munda... our zeros fought well against 150 enemy F4Fs... and managed to sink a LSI full of combat troops and to damage another one... Losses were pretty high, but reasonable... then our Kates tried to perform a 8 hexes attack...results were poor and we lost 27 precious kates and several zeros from the KB...

My subs, like a red cloud, are now circling around the enemy... we badly damaged the Cleveland (2 fishes) and we missed the BB Ramilles and Colorado... but Brad now must be sweating....

we are in the middle of no-man's ocean... teeth to teeth...finally.

We'll seek battle tomorrow! If Brad wants to flee he will have to leave behind his transports... if he wants to fight, well, this is our last chance to have a fight with decent odds!


In NOPAC an enemy unknown TF popped up near Paramushiro.... we're sending a surface fleet to investigate

Tomorrow the fate of the KB will be decided... weather, luck, determination... too many variables to be considered.... but this is the right time to proove we're men of valour


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rossel Island at 105,142

Japanese Ships
SS I-20

Allied Ships
CL Cleveland, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Vincennes
DD Clark
DD Selfridge



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lautem at 72,115, Range 2,000 Yards mmmmmmmmmmmmm[&:]

Japanese Ships
DD Yakaze
DD Nokaze
DD Numakaze
DD Asagao
DD Hasu
DD Kyukaze

Allied Ships
PT-125
PT-126
PT-128, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-142, Shell hits 1
PT-143
PT-144
PT-145, Shell hits 1
PT-146
PT-147
PT-148, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT-149, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-150, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rossel Island at 104,140

Japanese Ships
SS I-22

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
BB Mississippi
BB Tennessee
BB Colorado
DD Grayson
DD Sterett
DD Stack



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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 104,140

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 135

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
LSI(L) Manoora, Torpedo hits 1
LSI(L) Westralia, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DMS Boggs
APD Schley

Allied ground losses:
2009 casualties reported
Squads: 43 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 65 (63 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 9 (5 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (13 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

Westralia dead in the water ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 104,140

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M5 Zero x 36
B5N2 Kate x 27

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 130

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 15 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed

Allied Ships
LSI(L) Manoora

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 12000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(22 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(22 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(22 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(22 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 11 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers

It's always nice to sink transport ships full of troops (well, not for the troops obviously).
Hoping to see carrier vs carrier action tomorrow.

Thx Olorin!
 
Yes, however i'm concerned cause this seems like another elaborate Brad's feint. Only 4 LSI transports... too few for a real invasion... seems like a recognition in force rather than a true invasion... We have dropped 2 para regiments at Tugala and Rossell...just to be sure he won't conquer them by an air drop (i still see more than 110 aux planes at Cairns). I do think he wanted to call out of position my KB...and he posed a sensitive threat i couldn't not avoid to respond to... so now we have the KB in the southern seas...which leaves an open door for a landing somehwere else... but with all his CVs down there, i don't think he'll be able to make any real jump out of the blue...
 
Should i simply let him go away not to risk my CVs? I don't think so...not now... it's my last chance to fight his CVs without the Hellcats... we'll give our best
 
Tense...man, i'm tense

ORIGINAL: witpqs

My take on CAP:

60% is high but can be sustained for a short time.

The fatigue the pilots sustain is a result of various factors. One is the size of the airfield; when you have the luxury of flying out of a very large airfield the pilots take less fatigue. Another is the level of enemy activity; more enemy activity seems to result in more fatigue, even if just from chasing search planes all over. I know the "Rest" percentage helps, but then those pilots will not scramble off the ground in response to a raid so I don't use it.

100% is just plain crazy and often results in fewer aircraft against a raid because you can get caught with all 100% on the ground refueling when the raid arrives. I'm not saying that the code tracks CAP all day long between raids (but maybe it does for all I know), but I feel sure it at least applies some randomness to decide when during the CAP cycle a raid arrives. If you have success with 100% , well then you do. But I've seen many players post a query that they had 100% CAP and why was CAP response so poor for them?

My take on CAP:

60% is high but can be sustained for a short time.

The fatigue the pilots sustain is a result of various factors. One is the size of the airfield; when you have the luxury of flying out of a very large airfield the pilots take less fatigue. Another is the level of enemy activity; more enemy activity seems to result in more fatigue, even if just from chasing search planes all over. I know the "Rest" percentage helps, but then those pilots will not scramble off the ground in response to a raid so I don't use it.

100% is just plain crazy and often results in fewer aircraft against a raid because you can get caught with all 100% on the ground refueling when the raid arrives. I'm not saying that the code tracks CAP all day long between raids (but maybe it does for all I know), but I feel sure it at least applies some randomness to decide when during the CAP cycle a raid arrives. If you have success with 100% , well then you do. But I've seen many players post a query that they had 100% CAP and why was CAP response so poor for them?

The key is effective and modern radar. In 1945, I am comfortable leaving my Allied CAP at the 10% to 20% range when I have a good base unit with updated radar present. I seem to have no problem getting an excellent scramble. Although, I have to admit, my opponent is not attacking too many of my airbases these days.

I don't think it is this easy for the Japanese player as even the best Japanese radar is not that good and can't be relied upon. I can expect very mixed results every time I hit a Japanese base. Sometimes the CAP is good and sometimes it is missing. As it should be.

Well guys, you called for a battle... Now i offer you the first carrier clash of this war....

The replay took 55 minutes to be viewed....

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
seems like a recognition in force rather than a true invasion...

Sorry mate, I had the shot, there was no danger, I took the shot... [:D]

This has all the makings of a "back door" invasion that got caught out. Amphib troops, plus support, plus the very real possibility of an Air Drop at the same time. Plus it saves a lot of APA's & AKA's for another follow on hit soon after. This is how I see this offensive going, with rapid punches all around to keep you hopping & burning fuel.

My 2 cents

Feb 08, 43

So finally we had our first clash...a real one. The last battle to be called like that was the clash south of Tarakan in Jan 1942 when Boise was sunk along with 2 Japanese CAs...

Brad, seen the KB approaching, was seeking salvation for his invasion fleet. The transports ran away at flank speed towards Townsville, while 6 allied CVs, along with 2 CVEs and the whole BB fleet were covering the retreat.
The Japs did have all their best. The whole CV fleet, and 2 CVLs, along with Yamato, Kirishima, Hei, Haruna and some CAs.

My Subs engaged at night the Lady Lex, but missed twice!
Then, when the morning arrived, weather was awfull everywhere, both over our and enemy's ships. Some Betties from Munda, at extreme range (14 hexes), attacked but got smashed by a strong enemy CAP of 117 F4Fs.... no joy!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tagula Island at 101,144

Japanese Ships
SS I-16, hits 6

Allied Ships
CV Lexington
BB Washington
BB North Carolina
CA Houston
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Anderson
DD Gansevoort
DD Craven
DD Jarvis
DD Henley
DD Hammann

SS I-16 launches 2 torpedoes at CV Lexington
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tagula Island at 101,144

Japanese Ships
SS I-16, hits 4

Allied Ships
BB Washington
BB North Carolina
CA Houston
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Anderson
DD Gansevoort
DD Craven
DD Henley
DD Hammann


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tagula Island at 101,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
G4M1 Betty x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 117

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown
BB Prince of Wales
CV Hornet
BB Indiana

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (16 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
16 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 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 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 23 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 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 12 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (6 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers



We were covered by the storms but so were the enemies...so KB didn't launch... while the enemy launched a strong strike against the Kikitami TF that was parked 1 hexes east of the KB....


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tagula Island at 102,139

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42
SBD-3 Dauntless x 45

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Bomb hits 4, on fire
DD Hayate
DD Hakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Matsukaze
DD Okikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tagula Island at 102,139

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CL Kitakami, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage




My poor CL was left dead in the water, along with another DD burning furiously...


Then the afternoon arrived and the sun started to shine over our fleet... but the enemy (who in the morning had been 7 hexes away) decided to react and moved 2 hexes closer....

But only one of its two CVTFs moved.... dividing the enemy strenght, while the KB remained packed togheder.

We launched first...against the closer TF...3 CVs and several BB/CAs...

The CAP was "only" of 55 wildcats...and our escort did a great job!... the striking aircrafts arrived untouched... weather was good enough... but man, allied flak was deadly!!!!!!!!! (DBB really works!)

.....................

The zekes did have their day... even on escort duties our crack pilots shot down 10 wildcats...and the bombers got through.....



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tagula Island at 101,143

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 52
A6M5 Zero x 17
B5N1 Kate x 23
B5N2 Kate x 43
D3A1 Val x 23
D4Y1 Judy x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 9 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
BB Indiana, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Prince of Wales, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires
DD Maury
CLAA San Juan

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

Fuel storage explosion on CV Enterprise




The Ent and the PoW are both gone, while York and Hornet are in pretty good conditions....

Flak was really effective... but the battle wasn't over... the enemy had already launched its strikes...

After Yamaguchi's strike (who targetted the Enterprise's TF), Nagumo decided to launch against the other one TF (the one who didn't react)...

This time the group was even stronger...and the enemy's CAP still weak... we made through...but flak was again massive and more than 30 bombers got smashed, with several more driven away by it...


Nonetheless we hit and hit hard!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tagula Island at 101,144

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 69
B5N2 Kate x 101
B6N1 Jill x 9
D3A1 Val x 53
D4Y1 Judy x 45

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 57

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 16 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 10 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 8
BB Washington, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
DD Farenholt, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Portland
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
20 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
24 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
15 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
13 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Suwannee
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Sangamon


2 CVEs are gone and the NC is in sinking conditions...while the CVs got out without much damage...




But then it was time for the allies to attack... a group of more than 100 bombers escorted by 40 fighters....

....i started to sweat....

...but my CAP did wonders! both of my CVTFs had radar (Zuikaku and Shokaku) and we intercepted the enemy 30 min earlier!

more than 200 planes on CAP...right altitude...best pilots...great leaders....

We downed almost the whole strike, with only 14 bombers that got thorugh...and none hit the targets...flak was intense!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Deboyne Islands at 101,139

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 26
A6M5 Zero x 196

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39
SBD-3 Dauntless x 60
TBF-1 Avenger x 42

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 21 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 28 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho
BB Hyuga
CV Kaga

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
801 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
802 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 10 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
31 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaga-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 9 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 8 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 7 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
25 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 7 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 6 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers

man suspense is killing me...hope your ships didn't suffer too much. time to set him back 1 year...

Then the bombers who flew from the Enterprise TF (that was already sinking) arrived... 144 bombers escorted by 35 fighters....

Too many boogies to get them all before they could deliver their ordinances....