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1 July 1942

All the USAAF HQ squadrons are withdrawn. That bolsters quite a few a/c pools. One thing I am doing is saving B-17E aiframes as all the sqadrons expand to 12 in a few months. I want to be ready when that happens.

The US CVTF jog west. the IJN TF disappears. Either the ship was sunk of it slipped out of NavSearch range. The IJN SCTF has withdrawn from PM. I have to wonder if the IJN CVs are at sea right now in response to my CVTF showing themselves inadvertantly.

I have a RN SCTF that will hit Sibolga this turn. The IJN convoy that deliever the troops may still be there. Here's hoping.

I have executed the above plan in China. There are now three IJA units jus north of Kukong. Of course if Kukong falls, the jig is up and I will pull back. If that base goes to Japan then supplies will freely flow up from Canton.

Malang holds - barely.

2 July 1942

The IJA caught up with the last Corp retreating from Chuhchien and just bumped it forward another hex.

No movement in Burma or Java

US CVTF Dance a litlle between Brisbane and Noumea. No ships seen

The RN hits the ships off Sibolga and creams them. This raid was based on a SigInt report from about a week ago. Wished i could have caught them unloading but still nice to get the ships. I suspect the remaining heavily damage ships will sink trying to make port.

3-4 July 1942

The AVG withdraw. The 51st FG is already fighting in their place. Considering send one FS to China to take the place of the one AVG group that was fighting there.

The IJN has cleared PM. My subs failed to get in even one attack on the SCTF and MS moving through the area. CV Wasp has arrived at Auckland. Her VT is now upgraded to TBF. The USN CVTF are Marshalling at Lord Howe Island. I think once Wasp arrives, I may position them a little farther north.

The IJA attempted another attack at Sibolga that came off at 1 to 2. Dutch are holding their own. Unfortunately the stack at Malang was wiped out on the 3rd. Still its July and I have the IJA tied up in the SRA. Not a bad situation at all.

In China the IJA is pushing for Changsha it appears. Two full ID plus an Arty unit are just SE of the hex. I think the defenses to the NE of here in the Wuchow area my be very weak. I have 3400 AS at Ichang. I could mount a spoiling attack if Changsha is truly threatened.

I have an IJN TF in the BoB/IO. I have learned my lesson about cursor intel. My SCTF will retreat to Diego Garcia where a convoy with fuel is now bound. I will let my CVTF drift north another turn to see if that is indeed a SCTF. If it is, I may send the RN carriers after it.

5 July 1942

Things fell apart in China real quick. Kukong fell opening the supply route from Canton. The IJA drove my corps back from SE of Changsha. I activated all the Chinese artillery and have it moving south from Chungking. Also, I thought about moving units out of Ichang but they refuse to cross the river to the eat even though they are moving into a friendly hex. If this does not change next turn, I will post in tech support

Only good news is that it does seem that the IJN sent a SCTF into the BoB/IO to intercept my SCTF from Sibolga. As you can see they are about to meet some one they did not expect. Here's hoping

6 July 1942

The RN CVTF ended up seven hexes away from the IJN SCTF - one more than the biplane TB range. Grr. Running back to Ceylon. Don't want to get myself jumped by a counter-ambush from the IJN CVs. Still, just showing my RN force has to make Larry at least consider they may intervene at any moment.

Will give full update on China next turn. It appears the IJA is going to make a push towards Changsha and surrounding areas. My units at Ichang got over their brain fart and are now moving across the river. If Larry keeps pressing in the Changsha direction, I will move on Nanyang and Wuchow from the north simultaneously. These will be spoiling attacks but might stir the pot a bit.

The 2E 5th AF bombers left Hiva OA this turn and will make their way to Sydney by a southern route. The level 8 AB at Cairns is waiting for their arrival. All these units have lownav skills in the high 60s/low 70s. Next time Larry tries to sneak into PM, he will find a hotter reception. Within a few weeks, I expect to have all thre USMC Divisions in place at NZ. Once that happens, the offensive will begin.

Lastly, all the BF I evacuated from Burma are starting to arrive at Jorhat. Some of them are basically undamaged, but have single digit morale. I actually find myself want Larry to try an overland campaign into India. It would give me a chance to pound on him and tie down a large portion of the IJA.

7-9 July 1942

Some very quiet turns. Highlights

* IJA pushing around the KMT south of Changsha and north of Kanhsien. Trying to slip some units past them to at least temporarily block the Kukong/Hengyang road.

* The defense of the Changsha region is shaping up. All bases with at least 800 AS and level 3 forts.

* IJA takes Kalidjati and Cheribon on Java's north coast.

* Japan occupies the remaining bases in esatern Java. Everything east of Titlijap is theirs

* The little of stack of units that retreated from Palembang is now West of Djambi having done a complete circle now.

* No movement out of the northern Burma bases. Did catch some SigInt that there is a IJAAF presence at Magwe again. AB attack ordered.

* Ramree Island AB goes to level 1 now allowing me to move supplies and troops in via air bridge.

* Saratoga and Yorktown arrive Hiva OA next turn. They will move to Auckland for TBF upgrade then up towards New Caledonia. Time to make some noise.

* Another large convoy with support troops arrive Noumea in one or two turns. These are the initial untis for the New Hebrides.

* The 1st and 3rd marines are heading to the SoPac.

* The 2nd Marines are being lifted from Hilo to the PH for eventualy transfere to SoPac

10 July 1942

Kanhsien falls and I have a bunch of KMT units out in the bush. This is not necessarily bad as Larry now has to chase them.

My attacks on Magwe met 30 A6M2 and 15 Ki-44I. Lost some bombers but very few fighters. I have nearly 200 fighters in India. There are now positioned to smack that concentration in two turns.

Convoy has arrived at Noumea and is unloading. Need to get the port increased in size ASAP. CVE Long Island delivers a SBD unit to Noumea. Need to get the AB enlarged ASAP.

Saratoga and Yorktown expand their VFs to 36 planes. Now facing a shortage of F4F-4 airframes as I have four more carriers that need to do the same. That is 36 a/c - nearly a month's production. May need to pay some PPs to downgrade a few VMF to F4f-3 to free up some -4s

11 July 1942

So I had four USN CVTF south of Noumea just acting as a guard against surface raiders and such. I thought my NavSearch had the area north of the area well covered. My CVs were all in one hex following Enterprise. You can see where this is going

Larry brought the entire IJN carrier inventory down (Soryu seems to be missing actually). I some how managed to only loss Wasp and North Carolina and will likely lose a CLAA, CVE Long Island (was at Noumea), two xAP, and a DD. The IJN was all in one hex except for a SCTF trailing near Espiritu Santo. Because I had stacked all my CVTF together (and yes I am kicking myself), I had no coordination. Most of my attack a/c went in small groups without escort. I achieved no hits on the IJN at all. Wasp had recently arrived and I had failed to set her air group to cobat (all on training). I asked Larry for a redo and he consented. The second result was worse than the first so we stayed with the first.

I set 140 fighters to Sweep Magwe. Maybe they can excise a pound of flesh.

I cannot even talk about this. Here's the combat report:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jul 11, 42
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Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 78
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
B5N1 Kate x 16
B5N2 Kate x 30
D3A1 Val x 13



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 21
F4F-4 Wildcat x 58


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Wasp
BB North Carolina, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2
CV Enterprise
CA Northampton
DD Bancroft
CA Chester
CA Quincy



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 11 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 15 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMSB-244 with F4F-4 Wildcat (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
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (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
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 11 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes



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Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
B5N2 Kate x 20
D3A1 Val x 29



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 14
F4F-4 Wildcat x 43


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 12 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 12 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Wasp
CV Enterprise
CLAA San Juan



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 13180 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 7 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VMSB-244 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A1 Val x 13



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26


Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N1 Kate x 9



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 28 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers

Training flight from VF-71 has been caught up in attack


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Morning Air attack on 50th Chinese Corps, at 84,56 , near Nanchang

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 20



No Japanese losses


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


Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 21st Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 50th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 78
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29
TBF-1 Avenger x 12


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 destroyed, 5 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CVL Shoho
CV Zuikaku
CV Shokaku



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (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 16000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
6 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
5 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N1 Kate x 3



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 156 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 76
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed



CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12080 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 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 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 74
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12080 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12080 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 68
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 12


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 7 destroyed



CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 68
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
B5N1 Kate x 13
B5N2 Kate x 61



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CV Lexington
DD Buchanan
CA Quincy, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Wilson
CLAA San Juan, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Lansdowne



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
19 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
12 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
18 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VMSB-244 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 18 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

Training flight from VF-71 has been caught up in attack


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
B5N1 Kate x 14
B5N2 Kate x 17



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CLAA San Juan, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Buchanan, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CV Lexington
DD Sterett
DD Wilson



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
15 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
6 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 14000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15180.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19270.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 123 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VMSB-244 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11810 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 113,161

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
B5N1 Kate x 3
B5N2 Kate x 7



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Sterett
CV Lexington
DD Bancroft



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13810 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 15 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VMO-251 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 68
A6M2-N Rufe x 2



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


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 10 destroyed



CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
A6M2-N Rufe x 1



Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 11


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed



CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Belep Islands at 116,154

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
A6M2-N Rufe x 1



Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 18


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 6 destroyed
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CVL Shoho



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
5th Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers

The AC losses. Some how I came out on top in this area. My CV air groups are creamed. I transfered 25 P-40E from Suva and 50 P-39. If Larry lingers at least it will be a stout defense.

Side note, Lt(jg) James West of VS-6, one of the Dogs, was killed trying to attack the IJN carriers. Won't be fun writing that blurb.

I am trying to not be bitter about this result. As I had mentioned before, I was kinda taking it easy on Larry to allow him to get oriented. I guess he is oriented. Its not his fault, my complacency caused this not his play.

My problem is what do I do now? KB will not be matched for a a year. PM is in IJA hands. The Allies get no additional FG for a year and a handful of VMFs. If he Death Stars me everytime I try to move, I'll just keep getting hammered.

[Rant mode enabled}

Not in a good frame of mind right now. Was reading Sulu Sea's rant about TB being nerfed at PH and had the sense to refrain from posting.

But this is my AAR, DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!!

All you JFB who want to whine about how this is nerfed or that is nerfed can go to $#$%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this game and will continue to play it. But when the Japan player can build hundreds of Tojos a month by mid '42 I have no patience for JFB whining. When they whine about 4E being over powered, they fail to mention that Nellies are 10x more over powered than 4E. How many CVs were torpedoed by a Nellie in the PTO. NONE!!!!!!!! Not a single friggin one!!!!! The ineffectiveness of USN AAA late in the war is a joke.

And please don't start any more threads about how the Devs nerfed the game so your little trick you had figured out to get ahistorical PH results is no longer there. PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!

[/Rant Mode]

I feel better. How about you?

Did I miss something Tim? I only see 1 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA, 1 CLAA, and 1 DD that took hits. Your aircrews may have suffered and you might be short on aircraft for a bit, but I really don't see this as a huge loss, bad, but not earth shattering.

ORIGINAL: Dan Nichols

Did I miss something Tim? I only see 1 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA, 1 CLAA, and 1 DD that took hits. Your aircrews may have suffered and you might be short on aircraft for a bit, but I really don't see this as a huge loss, bad, but not earth shattering.

Its the a/c losses. Will take two or three months to replace. No its the frustration of knowing that if Larry has gone into Death Star Mode, I will be cooked. Probably just mad at myself more than anything. I should have seen this coming. You missed the air group challenged CVE Long Island in that too

Lets see what next turn brings. If I cream the A6M2 and Ki-44 over Magwe, I will feel better about it.

Also, just a small amount of not getting a single hit on a IJN ship hurts too.

ORIGINAL: Dan Nichols

Did I miss something Tim? I only see 1 CV, 1 BB, 1 CA, 1 CLAA, and 1 DD that took hits. Your aircrews may have suffered and you might be short on aircraft for a bit, but I really don't see this as a huge loss, bad, but not earth shattering.

Dan, thanks for your post. It caused me to take a deep breath. My rant was a result of a perfect storm of events.

1. I had just lost a carrier battle. I've lost them before and I will lose them again
2. Some of the game mechanics played into my loss. I knew the mechancs well so no one to blame but me.
3. My opponent had just put nine carriers plus a SCTF in one hex. Above mentioned mechanics allowed him to perfectly coordinate his attacks
4. After posting the results here, I wandered over to the main Forum and made the mistake of reading the "Kates are nerfed" post by Sulu Sea
5. Having just suffered from well known but sometimes frustrating game mechanics, his comment that he was going to quit the game if kates were nerfed struck an already irritated nerve
6. So I came here and vented.

Now, putting things into perspective a bit. Yes I lost Wasp and NC. Sometimes I wonder if the game has it out for those two ships. However, I also lost fewer a/c than my opponent. Considering mine were spread over both USN and USMC pilot pools, I should be glad for that. I think also that some of my frustrations in my personal life adding flames to the fire. For that I do apologize.

Going forward, it will take him longer to replace all those Kate than for me. The A6M2 wil be quicker but still a few months i would think. The Vals will replace the quickest I am guessing.

My F4F-4 pool is empty. Just refilling the VFs will take two months. The Avengers should be replace quickest. The SBDs are the toughie. Three carriers will need like 60 airframes and that will take a while.

Of course, pilot replacement will be another issue for both sides.

12 July 1942

Wonders what a good night's sleep and an hour playing BF3 wreaking useless carnage will do for one's mood.

The IJN CVTF disappeared. Either they sprinted back north or NavSearch is not as reliable of a tool as I though beyond say ten hexes. If it is the latter, then that is a valuable lesson to be learned. There is a SCTF 120 NM NW of Koumac and another 120 NM SW of Luganville. Why would Larry pull his carriers back but leave the Surface ships exposed? Unless he is trying to create a little trap. Hmmmmm. Clever little bastard if that is true.

CVE Long Island was scuttled. SHe was t 98-98-60. Might as well save the VP. CLAA San Juan is floundering but I am not giving up quite yet. She is 80 NM from Noumea.

My Sweep missions from Chittagong went in as single squadron raids. You can see the Air Losses. I had 8 FS at a level 6 bases with an Air HQ. I suspect the lack of coordination had somethign to do with that. Of note, larry replaced his A6M2 sq there with Ki-43. The bases now has 54 fighters there so I expect the Zeroes are back. I think I will build out Chittagong to a Level 9 AB before trying this again.

I am toying with the idea of reinforcing Timor. There were Nellies at Kendari at one point. If they are still present, that would make it a dicey proposition.

Sorry about the rant last night guys. Let my emotions get away from me for a second.

I'm sure we have all been there. A day or so and some deep breaths do help. If you had been really unlucky you would have lost 4 CVs and numerous other supporting ships. Then you would have had a real problem. BTW, I don't think SuluSea was really complaining about the effects of the Kates, but that it seems there is a difference in results between a historical an non-historical start with the same orders.

Anyway, soldier on soldier.

ORIGINAL: Dan Nichols

I'm sure we have all been there. A day or so and some deep breaths do help. If you had been really unlucky you would have lost 4 CVs and numerous other supporting ships. Then you would have had a real problem. BTW, I don't think SuluSea was really complaining about the effects of the Kates, but that it seems there is a difference in results between a historical an non-historical start with the same orders.

Anyway, soldier on soldier.

Yes and he posted a mia culpa which makes me feel even better that I said nothing

13 July 1942

The IJN Death Star is now due west of Noumea. They sank San Juan and Buchanan. Air losses were 19 more A6M2 and 8 more Kates. I wisely pulled all my attack aircraft in to 5 hex max range. They did not impale themselves upon Mega KB. Cursor intel says there are four seprate CVTF in the IJN's hex

My CVTF made Auckland and took on what they could in replacements. VS-6 on Enterprise was especially decimated with only two air frames left. No more pilots in the reserve so I ended up taking a lot of replacements into those squadrons. All USN ships in the area are ordered to Dunedin which has a newly enlarged Level 7 port. The last two US CVN TF are about five days out of NZ.

Larry detected some of my moves in the Hankow area. Cursor intel at Nachang and the stack guarding Hankow to the NW are both down one unit now.

I mentioned a while ago that I was in a quadary as to how to deal with the fact that I had not whittled down the IJN CV strength. With Larry's willingness to operate them in Death Star mode, this presents even more of a quandary. I may have to move up the New Hebrides in little hops using FastTran TF

14 July 1942

The IJN CVTF seem to be withdrawing toward the NNW. Perhaps they plan to raid NE Oz before heading back to Rabaul/Truk. Oddly there is a single SCTF 160 NM NNW of Koumac with a SE heading (????)

The Silent Service gets a small revenge for me by finding working torpedoes and sinking a TK just North of the Straits of Makassar. SS Trusty is not to be outdone and sinks a troop laden xAK just north of the Straits of Molucca. The RN CVs arrive 150 WNW of Sabang one turn too late. If they had arrive last turn, they likely would have hit that convoy. They will retire to Colombo as they were detected this turn.

Tilijap falls. They are chased by a small armored unit but lack any AS to repel it. Almost over in Java.

Siangtan has forts go to level 4 this turn. AS is 1700. Hengyang has 1900 AS behind level 3 and growing forts. Changsha has 3300 AS behind level 5 and growing forts. There are now four units at Hankow where there used to only be one. I suspect Larry has railed in some reinforcements.

I am watching closely how you handle it. I have Yorkown in dry dock on critical for two more months and the lone Wasp training crews in safe waters. Thats it. I am running an amphib Op with only three CVEs, its all I have and am willing to risk. The other CVEs (Jan '43) are training green crews. Its a very difficult time now. Get an idea feel free to share through secure channels. Fair winds.