Killing Casey Kasem-Marianas style (CB v. Cap'n Mandrake)

[witpqs]

[>:]

[Chickenboy]

Over the last two turns, HIJMS submarines have had some good hunting off the coast of Pagan, hitting CVE Barnes, CVL Belleau Woods and DD Franks.

Continued Allied bombardments of Tinian, Guam and Saipan. Allies lose 15 planes today to OPS and AA. The air loss ratio has dipped down to 1.8 : 1 in favor of the Allies.

Supplies on Saipan dwindle. Major LCUs are at 2/3 required supply and dropping. Still no Allied attack...it will be interesting if Saipan can be cracked.

No movement towards Guam and Tinian landings. I doubt they'll go off now. I suspect he's thrown in his lot for Saipan alone.

LCT resupply effort ends in heavy losses for the Allies.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jul 15, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 57 encounters mine field at Saipan (108,93)

Allied Ships
LCT-170, Mine hits 1, heavy damage





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Saipan at 108,93

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-12

Allied Ships
LCT-146



LCT-146 is sighted by SSX Ha-12
SSX Ha-12 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LCT


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Saipan - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LCT-168, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-143, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-144, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-146, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
LCT-150, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage



Saipan Naval Fortress firing at LCT-168
20cm Short Gun Battery engaging LCT-143 at 4,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-144 at 4,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-144 at 4,000 yards
20cm Short Gun Battery engaging LCT-144 at 4,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-143 at 4,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-143 at 4,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-146 at 4,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-143 at 4,000 yards
12cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-150 at 4,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-143 at 4,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Saipan at 108,93

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-32

Allied Ships
LCT-147



LCT-147 is sighted by SSX Ha-32
SSX Ha-32 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LCT


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 163 encounters mine field at Saipan (108,93)

Allied Ships
LCT-320, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Yap at 96,94

Japanese Ships
DD Akishimo
DD Samidare
DD Yamagumo

Allied Ships
SS Cod, hits 2



SS Cod launches 4 torpedoes at DD Akishimo
Cod diving deep ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yamagumo attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Pagan at 111,90

Japanese Ships
SS I-47, hits 2

Allied Ships
DD Franks, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Bennett



SS I-47 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Franks
I-47 diving deep ....
DD Bennett fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bennett fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bennett attacking submerged sub ....
DD Bennett fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Bennett fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 9
TBF-1 Avenger x 29
TBM-1C Avenger x 118


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 8 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged



Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 21400 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tinian , at 108,94

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 6
TBF-1 Avenger x 13
TBM-1C Avenger x 26


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 43rd Division, at 108,93 (Saipan)

Weather in hex: Overcast

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


Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 36


Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
18 x F4U-1 Corsair bombing from 100 feet
17 x F4U-1 Corsair bombing from 100 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Guam , at 106,95

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3N Hellcat x 6


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x F6F-3N Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tinian , at 108,94

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-25G Mitchell x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 59

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 13000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 13000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 13000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tinian , at 108,94

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25G Mitchell x 9


No Allied losses



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 13000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Saipan , at 108,93

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25G Mitchell x 14


No Allied losses



Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 13000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Saipan at 108,93

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-12

Allied Ships
LCT-145



LCT-145 is sighted by SSX Ha-12
SSX Ha-12 cannot acquire firing solution on enemy LCT


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Saipan - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

82 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LCT-178
LCT-130, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-179
LCT-180
LCT-131



Saipan Naval Fortress firing at LCT-178
12cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-130 at 7,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-130 at 7,000 yards
12cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-130 at 7,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-130 at 7,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCT-130 at 7,000 yards
8cm T88 DP Gun Battery engaging LCT-130 at 7,000 yards
LCT-178 fired at enemy troops
LCT-179 fired at enemy troops
LCT-180 fired at enemy troops
LCT-178 fired at enemy troops
75mm Infantry Gun battery firing at LCT-130
20cm Short Gun battery firing at LCT-130
8cm T88 DP Gun battery firing at LCT-131
75mm T90 Field Gun battery firing at LCT-130
75mm Infantry Gun battery firing at LCT-131


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Saipan

TF 163 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 108,93





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

Ground combat at Saipan (108,93)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 29776 troops, 335 guns, 73 vehicles, Assault Value = 1210

Defending force 41312 troops, 709 guns, 1025 vehicles, Assault Value = 1575

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Assaulting units:
III./9th Infantry Battalion
55th Naval Guard Unit
Saipan Naval Fortress
3/4th Indpt Tank Co
14th Division
9th Tank Regiment
41st Naval Guard Unit
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
43rd Division
47th Ind.Mixed Brigade
150th Infantry Regiment
32nd Nav Gsn Unit
10th JNAF AF Unit
5th Special Base Force
7th Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Shipping Engineer Regiment
14th Mortar Battalion
25th Field AA Machinecannon Company
31st Army
11th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
305th RCT /2
1st USMC Tank Battalion
6th Marine Regiment
2nd Marine Engineer Regiment
23rd Marine Regiment
27th Infantry Division
2nd Marine Regiment
24th Marine Regiment
8th Marine Regiment
708th Amphib Tank Battalion
706th Tank Battalion
640th Tank Destroyer Battalion
25th Marine Regiment
111th RCT /2
V US Amphib Corps
225th Artillery Grp

[Chickenboy]

Tinian: Allied troops assault Tinian. Landings go off well, with only the usual disruptions. 4th Mar Div was moderately disrupted from the landings-probably due to their partial preparation. See below for opponents present on the island. Deliberate attack scheduled for tomorrow.

Several BB bombardments have preceded the attack in the last few days, but I have not wished to signal my target prior to that time. Hence, limited air raids. It will be interesting to see what the fortification level is on the island.

Iwo Jima: A TF built around BB Alabama goes into Iwo Jima with the intention of eliminating any surface ships not disbanded in port. Allied CV air pummels the port. Tomorrow, the Alabama and company will bombard the port on the way out of town. Time to end Iwo's existence as a shelter for HIJMS shipping.

Jaluit: In what has become a hotspot of activity, Jaluit (the Japanese base S of Kwajalein) has been reinforced with a large fighter contingent. This comes as a bit of a surprise. For the past three turns, he has been milling around this area with most of his heavies. I moved some DBs into the area to hit his transitting ships to good effect, likely sinking CA Suzuya and damaging BB Kongo with a bunch of bombs / fires.

Several Dauntless strikes go after the ships around Jaluit today. Unfortunately, most of them were unescorted, resulting in heavy DB losses. A nice CAP trap.

Tomorrow, heavy P47 sweeps from Kwajalein are scheduled along with some Corsair sweeps from Roi-Namur.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jul 17, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Iwo-jima at 108,77

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-55, hits 5, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Alabama
CA Baltimore
DD Norman Scott
DD Schroeder



SSX Ha-55 is sighted by escort
DD Norman Scott fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Schroeder attacking submerged sub ....
Sounds of submarine breaking up detected!
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

140 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Miami
DD Sterett


Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


CL Miami firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

139 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
DD Marshall
LCI(G)-80
LCI-70
LCI-69
LCI-67
LCI-66
LCI-65
LCI-64
LCI-61
APA Bolivar

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


BB Idaho firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
DD Marshall firing at 20th JAAF AF Bn
LCI(G)-80 fired at enemy troops
LCI-70 fired at enemy troops
LCI-69 fired at enemy troops
LCI-67 fired at enemy troops
LCI-66 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Tinian

TF 59 troops unloading over beach at Tinian, 108,94


Allied ground losses:
632 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 140 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 196 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 48 (0 destroyed, 48 disabled)
Vehicles lost 28 (0 destroyed, 28 disabled)


5 troops of a US MMG Section lost in surf during unload of 4th Marine Div


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

116 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
DD Stephen Potter
DD Owen
LCI(G)-82
LCI(G)-81
LCI(G)-79
LCI(G)-78
LCI(G)-77
LCI(G)-76
LCI-68
APA Du Page
DD Halsey Powell

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


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


BB New Mexico firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
DD Stephen Potter firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
DD Owen firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
LCI(G)-82 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-81 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-79 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-78 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-77 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-76 fired at enemy troops
LCI-68 fired at enemy troops
DD Stephen Potter fired at enemy troops
DD Owen fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Tinian

TF 75 troops unloading over beach at Tinian, 108,94


Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (0 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Vehicles lost 16 (0 destroyed, 16 disabled)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

66 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Miami
DD Sterett
SC-1064


Allied ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


CL Miami firing at 20th JAAF AF Bn
SC-1064 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

119 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
DD Halsey Powell
DD Owen
LCI(G)-82
LCI(G)-81
LCI(G)-79
LCI(G)-78
LCI(G)-77
LCI(G)-76
LCI-68
APA Du Page


Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


BB New Mexico firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
DD Owen firing at 20th JAAF AF Bn
LCI(G)-82 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-81 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-79 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-78 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-77 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-76 fired at enemy troops
LCI-68 fired at enemy troops
DD Owen fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

20 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
DD Marshall
DD Heywood Edwards
DD Anthony
LCI(G)-80
LCI-70
LCI-69
LCI-67
LCI-66
LCI-65
LCI-64
LCI-61
APA Bolivar



BB Idaho firing at 12th JNAF AF Unit
DD Heywood Edwards firing at 20th JAAF AF Bn
DD Anthony firing at 20th JAAF AF Bn
LCI(G)-80 fired at enemy troops
LCI-70 fired at enemy troops
LCI-69 fired at enemy troops
LCI-67 fired at enemy troops
LCI-66 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
DD Marshall fired at enemy troops
DD Heywood Edwards fired at enemy troops
DD Anthony fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Iwo-jima at 108,77

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-53

Allied Ships
BB Alabama
CA Baltimore
CL Vincennes
DD Robinson
DD Norman Scott
DD Schroeder



SSX Ha-53 is sighted by escort
Ha-53 bottoming out ....
DD Norman Scott fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Schroeder fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Iwo-jima , at 108,77

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
E8N2 Dave x 1



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 17
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 20
SB2C-3 Helldiver x 2
TBM-1C Avenger x 8


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
TBM-1C Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Chile Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
ACM Hong Kong Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Taifuku Maru, Bomb hits 1



Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
2 x SB2C-3 Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
6 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Suzuya-2 with E8N2 Dave (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Jaluit at 135,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 12



Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 17


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Kishinami
DD Yukikaze



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
261 Ku S-2 with A6M5 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 25000
Raid is overhead
265 Ku S-7 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
252 Ku K-302 with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Jaluit at 135,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
A6M5 Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
SBD-5 Dauntless x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze
DD Kishinami



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 135 minutes
261 Ku S-2 with A6M5 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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
265 Ku S-7 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
252 Ku K-302 with A6M5 Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 83 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jaluit at 134,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M5 Zero x 64



Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 26
SBD-5 Dauntless x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 18 destroyed



CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
261 Ku S-2 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
265 Ku S-7 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
252 Ku K-302 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jaluit at 134,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
A6M5 Zero x 43



Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
261 Ku S-2 with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
265 Ku S-7 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 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
252 Ku K-302 with A6M5 Zero (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jaluit at 134,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
A6M5 Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 15


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Fujinami
DD Tamanami



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
261 Ku S-2 with A6M5 Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
252 Ku K-302 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
265 Ku S-7 with A6M2 Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Tinian , at 108,94

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10
TBM-1C Avenger x 7


No Allied losses



Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBM-1C Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Jaluit at 134,120

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 4



Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
261 Ku S-1 with A6M5 Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
252 Ku K-302 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
261 Ku S-2 with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Iwo-jima at 108,77

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-54, hits 3, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Alabama
CA Baltimore
CL Vincennes
DD Robinson
DD Norman Scott
DD Schroeder



SSX Ha-54 is sighted by escort
DD Norman Scott fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Schroeder fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Norman Scott fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Norman Scott attacking submerged sub ....
Sounds of submarine breaking up detected!
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

58 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Miami
SC-1064
DD Sterett


Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


SC-1064 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LCI(G)-80
LCI-70
LCI-69
LCI-67
LCI-66
LCI-65
LCI-64
LCI-61
APA Bolivar



LCI(G)-80 fired at enemy troops
LCI-70 fired at enemy troops
LCI-69 fired at enemy troops
LCI-67 fired at enemy troops
LCI-66 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Tinian
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LCI(G)-82
LCI(G)-81
LCI(G)-79
LCI(G)-78
LCI(G)-77
LCI(G)-76
LCI-68
APA Warren
APA Du Page



LCI(G)-82 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-81 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-79 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-78 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-77 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-76 fired at enemy troops
LCI-68 fired at enemy troops


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

Ground combat at Tinian (108,94)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 5904 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 271

Defending force 17366 troops, 259 guns, 603 vehicles, Assault Value = 740

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Assaulting units:
56th Naval Guard Unit
18th Indpt Tank Co
I./135th Infantry Battalion
50th Infantry Regiment
23rd Air Flotilla
20th JAAF AF Bn
12th JNAF AF Unit
233rd Construction Battalion
11th JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
10th Amphib Tractor Bn /1
1st USMC Tank Bn /1
715th Amphib Tank Bn /1
111th Regimental Combat Team
102nd Combat Engr Rgt /1
193rd Tank Bn /1
4th Marine Div /1

[Chickenboy]

Map of Jaluit, circa July 18

[Chickenboy]

Saipan: More Allied LCTs try to ferry in supplies. Several are set aflame by the shore batteries and withdraw. One hits a mine. Allied CV air strikes on Saipan damage some 22 TBFs, 4 are OPS kills.

Marianas: Otherwise, the usual LBA air raids on Guam and Tinian. I've noticed that he doesn't or can't escort his Guam airstrikes for several days running. The airstrip is at 35% damage, so I can use it for CAP.

I fly in all available fighters to Guam and set them for range 0, 90% CAP at 25,000 feet. Some 60 fighters should be on hand to welcome tomorrow's airstrikes. Hopefully, they're unescorted...

[Chickenboy]

Japanese July 18 update:

Guam CAP trap: Some 75 A6M5 and A6M Sen Baku fighters cover Guam. Carrier strikes are unfortunately escorted, but we give much better than we get. For the day, 32 Allied planes are destroyed versus 24 losses. I will call this the "Minor Marianas Pheasant Shoot". It has a certain ring to it.

All remaining fighters beat it back to Truk and disband.

Guam: An Allied ASW TF sweeps Guam. Oops. So sorry! DDs Lardner and DD Stault hit mines in the hex. The ASW TF mortally wounds a SSX patrolling the waters.

Saipan: More LCTs attempt to bring in supplies. At least three more are set aflame by shore guns. No additional efforts are made by the Allied dogs to assault my dug-in troops.

Pagan:I order in the three DDs of the "Northern Strike Force" of yore. Moonlight is at 3%, so maybe I can return the favor and get some lucky shots on a few CVEs.

[Chickenboy]

Japanese July 18 screenshot:

ETA: 3x DDs not from Truk-they're from Iwo Jima.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Japanese July 18 screenshot:

ETA: 3x DDs not from Truk-they're from Iwo Jima.

Wow - misinformation in case the enemy intercepts the graphic! What attention to detail! [:'(]

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Japanese July 18 screenshot:

ETA: 3x DDs not from Truk-they're from Iwo Jima.

Wow - misinformation in case the enemy intercepts the graphic! What attention to detail! [:'(]

Hey, with the rabble that reads this AAR, you never know what's going to happen with that sort of OPSEC. [:'(]

[Chickenboy]

Approximately July 24, both games:

I've been remiss in updating this AAR in some time. I see that my opponent has updated his AAR, so-rather than await the inevitable tumbleweed, whistling or snoring smileys, I thought I'd provide a brief update.

The situation so far:

In general turns have been slow in coming. The Cap'n has been busy in his practice, thus we've only been flipping one-two turns per week.

Both games are at approximately July 24. About one and a half weeks of gametime left.

Japanese gross summary to date:

I haven't updated the Japanese side since the July 18th turn. In the interim, major actions include the Allied invasion of Guam and the Allied capture of Saipan. Saipan fell after prolonged siege warfare destroyed supply storage and rendered the garrison bereft of defensive punch. The Japanese CDs were very useful in holding off the inevitable Allied assault, but Saipan has fallen.

Guam has a better supply situation, but little to prevent the Allies from landing additional supplies or troops. Deliberate attacks have dropped the forts to 1 or 2 with outsized Japanese casualties. The end is near.

Between July 20 and 22, I attempted to bring in IJNAF aircraft into Guam for a night torpedo attack on nearby CVE TFs. For any number of reasons, the attack never went off. After three nights of waiting, the aircraft were (mostly) destroyed on the ground by Allied reprisal attacks.

Remnants of IJNAF units are at Truk now, where they will stay for the duration of the conflict. LR 4EB attacks (from Pagan) to Truk were repulsed by Truk IJNAF fighters, downing approximately 12 B-24s. I doubt he will attempt this again. Effective IJNAF resistance has ended in this game and has been relegated to spot defense.

On the seas, he has used his Allied surface forces (with some CV assistance) to pick off remaining Japanese surface vessels. Repeated raids on Baleldoab have holed Zuikaku approximately 30 times with a variety of bombs. In what must clearly be a bug, her damage levels have scarcely budged. Too bad-that's the way it goes. If we want to rehash the movement and surface response bug that allowed three of his DDs to destroy 3x my Allied CVEs in a night operation, then I'll be interested in entertaining any judicial points that should be awarded him for putting Zuikaku under by repeated port raids.

Kongo is badly damaged, disbanded in port at Truk. A handful of destroyers (all badly damaged) remain at anchor with her.

I tried to scatter remaining shipping to the four corners of the map and make it difficult on Allied battle groups to intercept. I've had some small successes hiding half a dozen xAKs and a DD in the extreme NW corner of the map and a damaged CL in the North central wastelands of the Pacific. A large xAK, TK, AV and other assorted support ships were caught by an Allied DD group. A few stragglers escaped the net, heading into the uncontrolled sea lanes by New Guinea / New Britain.

Not all was lost as the Japanese. On or around July 22, three IJN DDs (the last combat-capable surface group I had) surprised CA Louisville and her escorting DDs due west of Saipan. My DDs got in close during the night fight and put 3x 64cm "Long Lance" torpedoes into Louisville before she could fire a shot. She sank immediately.

Also, I've managed to keep the Allied air:air victories at or around the 2:1 (in favor of the Allies, of course) level. Compared to RL, this is a satisfactory outcome IMO.

Most Japanese combat operations have ceased at this time. The last 10 days of this scenario will be about trying to extricate potential Allied VPs from theatre. I will hide my remaining sea-capable DDs (or die trying) and use the Truk IJNAF to defend Kongo from expected further attempts to sink her.

Guam will fall soon and I wonder if Tinian will be attempted. I've had my ass kicked by the Allied player in this scenario. As this is a mirror campaign, the only pertinent question is how many more total combined points will my opponent score versus myself. That, dear reader, remains to be seen.

[Chickenboy]

This game is also at approximately July 24 with me as the Allies. This side is much more fun to play at this stage of the war. [:D]

General summary-Allied side:

On land: The last six days have gone well for the Allied side. Tinian has fallen, leaving me in control of Guam, Rota and Tinian. USAAF, Marine and USNAF aircraft bristle from airfields at these bases.

After seeing the probable fall of Saipan in my other game, I realized that I must attempt the landing with only partially prepared troops. Amphibious HQ have been prepping for Saipan for some time and are currently located at Tinian. With their 1 hex HQ impact, they can provide for some needed support for the pending Saipan operation.

Otherwise, all capable LCUs with useful AV values have been ordered to prep for Saipan. Loading will commence from Guam today for the 4th Marines and company located there. As all enemy activity at Guam has been liquidated, there are a number of units here that have been repurposed accordingly.

Jap resistance at Tinian is a wreck, thus freeing up a number of Allied LCUs from there for the pending operation. The Infantry division at Rota will also contribute the approximatlely 130 AV of non-disrupted troops for the Saipan operation.

I've hotfooted the 25th ID from Pearl towards the theatre. I'm not sure if they'll make it in time before the curtain goes down, but it won't be for lack of trying. Another Marine division has arrived at Pearl (yesterday? [8|]), but I don't have shipping (or time) left in the scenario to get 'em into the fight.

I don't know if I have sufficient LCU strength / prep on hand to force the issue at Saipan. I'm pretty sure that if I don't try it, I will lose big, so I'm rolling the dice. Through stupid oversights (detailed earlier), I've made a hash of the rationale for attacking Saipan and my force distribution. I shouldn't be so bent over a barrel as to make such a slapdash effort on a major operational goal, but I'm atoning for past sins now.

Naval and air bombardment of Saipan started in earnest for the Allies on or around July 21. Knowing how much difficulty was wrought by the Saipan CD guns in the mirror game, I've focused on the port attacks. As of July 24, port disruption is at 70%-good progress. A couple more days bombardment oughta help the eventual Allied landings.

On the sea: This is the killing time for the Allies. The last 8 or so days have seen my Allied CVTFs and LBA cut the Japanese navy's heart out across the map.

BBs Yamato, Kongo; CV Shokaku; multiple CAs and DDs have been blasted out of existence. Curiously CV Shokaku was sunk by DD surface groups near Pagan. [&:] I think she was trying to make for the IJN "Green Havens" (more later) when intercepted.

For those Yamato fanbois out there, any guesses what happens to Yamato when faced up against BB Iowa and New Jersey (commanded by Halsey)? Sam Peckinpaw / Akira Kurasawa would have loved to direct that scene.

Allied CV raids on Babeldoap and Pelileu slaughtered most of the remaining IJN support / transport shipping and a few stragglers making for the NW corner of the map. Allied submarines have also picked off a number of stragglers-particularly those heading for the 'Green Havens'.

Although they have tried a couple ill-advised CA raids from Truk on the shipping around the Marianas (destroyed with extreme prejudice by LBA USNAF aircraft from Guam before they got near), most of the other Japanese shipping is fleeing major combat-either holing up at Truk, Iwo Jima or the "Green Havens". These foci will be attacked before the game ends in an effort to bag these vermin.

The so-called Green Havens are the are to the NE of Marcus Island-the 'dead zone' of Central Pacific. Here, beyond air search from Midway, I suspect that he is sending his damaged shipping to ride out the balance of the battle. I've sniffed a couple SigInt sightings that reinforce this notion. One of his AVs was also sunk by an Allied submarine two hexes NE of Marcus. Alllied carrier and surface units will investigate further and help send these sons of heaven to the wrong address.

Allied DDs have been pulling hard duty with surface intercept. CA Chokai and an escorting DD were sunk during a night engagement with 4 Allied DDs last night. The sun is setting on Japanese night time naval pre-eminence, it appears.

In short, this will be a very near-run thing. Some early strategic and tactical errors have put me in a position of catch up. I don't know if I'll be able to pull off the needed coup de main at Saipan or not, but it won't be for a lack of trying.

[Chickenboy]

Update on this ancient AAR:

The fault is mine, as I've let the game turns lapse forever on the game. No matter, I can't close the combined points gap.

I've surrendered to Cap'n-he's the winner here.

I'll break out my thoughts for the outcome later. The mea culpas may be helpful to some newer players.