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Stunning victory so far! I am extremely worried though by what this means in terms of a cry for future tweaking to whittle down the effectiveness of Japanese assets even more. [:D]

It may have been bad luck or a combination of however many different factors that led to this, but you earned the victory and Lady Fortuna was on your side. Bask in the glory while you can! Nice job.

That seems like a lot of what I've seen in AE and what I've seen reported elsewhere for AE, so it isn't unexpected from my p.o.v. .

I suspect that Andy continues to try to play AE the way he did WitP, and the differences keep on killing him.

But as I told Andy, he's a Dev, and it was the Devs who, as a team, decided upon and implemented the changes between WitP and AE.

So my hat's off to you for being able to adapt to and use the changes in AE so well.

Congrats!

Now, while Andy is so demoralized, why don't you start up an offensive somewhere?

ORIGINAL: PzB

16 + a few damaged to ops maybe; That's about 8% of the attacking force I guess.
- Guess this number should have been higher in regards to reality.

This is consistent with my experience and what was commented on even before release when they ran an AAR for the community while still doing internal Alpha/Beta testing. They've recalculated the shipboard AA weapons for DaBabes (IIRC they used the IJN 25mm as "1" and worked from there on relative numbers) but I don't know if that has made it into the official scenarios.

Which is not to say that the same damage would not have been done, or perhaps only somewhat less, it just would have been more costly.

Thx Lemon and ADB [:)]

I actually suggested to Andy that he should go and ask the devs about A2A in this turn.
Much truth in that Witpqs; have the allies got proximity fuses for their AA yet?

Everything is possible in war and I feel like an old parrot when I go on chiming about Japan still having parity with Allies
in SRA theatre, thus setting the stage for a prolonged slug feast.

I've acually had this "good feeling" about this battle since it started;
Ref. my post of 2/14/2011 12:45:12 AM
Andy is doomed; he just doesn't know it yet

The campaign is still far from won and I'll try not to let victory disease run away with me [:'(]
But for all of you playing Japan in 43-44-45; believe in victory, fight for victory and win victories!
Don't listen to all the nay sayers that say it can't be done!

BANZAI!!!!!!!!!

Very well played. Weird air combat but IMHO Andy committed the sin of being predictable. That said, he put himself in the position the IJN was in at Guadalcanal and was somewhat forced to keep using his CVs to re-supply and reinforce W.

Exceptionally well done John.

As you point out, japan still has plenty of firepower, but you do have to make sure you use it correctly. The right amount of caution and aggressiveness. Another strike at range 8 - very very impressive.

Thx guys [&o]

Andy rallied and sent another turn;
- The KB went head to head with Waingapoe and the Allied Carrier Fleets!

I have just seen the battle!
A week of celebrations is ordered in Japan by the Emperor [&o][&o][&o]

A total and utter defeat of the enemy fleet has been achieved!
We have slight damage to 2 Jap carriers and some destroyers were lost in surface combat.
500 allied ac vs 300 Jap were lost but the entire Allied Navy is in tatters.

In this momen of triumph I feel sympathy for Andy!
His aviators couldn't hit anything and nothing went right for him.
He deserved better than he got in his brave stand this turn.

The Empire has been saved - at least for another year....


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 20, 43

VAE VICTIS

This was the decisive battle:

We also sank 1 BB, 2 CVs and 2 CVEs (all damaged) with subs.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 58,116
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 53 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 154
A6M5b Zero x 15
B6N1 Jill x 135
B6N2 Jill x 13
D4Y1 Judy x 132

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 7
Martlet II x 10
Martlet IV x 21
F4U-1A Corsair x 14
F6F-3 Hellcat x 147

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 7 destroyed
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 21 destroyed, 46 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 15 destroyed, 38 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Nassau
CVE Breton, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CV Victorious, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Illustrious, Torpedo hits 1
CV Formidable
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CVL Princeton, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Baltimore, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVE Sangamon, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CVL Hermes
BB Mississippi
CL Columbia
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CLAA Atlanta
CA Indianapolis, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Jenkins
DD Converse
DD Cony
CA Devonshire
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Suwannee, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Foote
CVE Altamaha
DD Claxton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD McKee
CA Vincennes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Breton
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Casablanca class CVE
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Yorktown
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Claxton
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Northampton
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Princeton
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Indianapolis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Attack

I sent the combat replay to Andy and this message:

Andy,

I think you deserved better in much of what has happened and I appreciate your praise.

Here is the replay of the next turn; will take some time to organize it all.
It will be bad to watch for you, nothing more to say.

To turn this around I challenge you to come back from this and destroy the KB!
Are you up to it?

If I'm honest I'm not surprised Andy is p*ssed. IMO that's a shocking combat result! 330 Hellcats achieving that little! I know theres no control either you or Andy have on the engine but that would be tough to take TBH. Total BS result IMO.....not to take away from your glory PzB as it's a good feeling I know...

You need to abstract more Speedy, that's what I'm always told by devs when not happy with things [:'(]
- Jap strike was hidden in deep clouds, thus bypassing much of the enemy CAP and suddenly finding the enemy fleet in open sunshine.

This last turn was a bit surprising in another way; Allied bombers attacked KB in clear weather and scored a few hits...
Most hits by 500 and 1000 lb bombs hit the Taiho..and bounced of the armored decks.

A single 500lb penetrating bomb hit on a CVL by a 4E was achieved - nothing else.
Never seen such a one sided affair. Jap attack ac achieved much more in t-storms.

I'd still be p*ssed PzB. Abstraction or no abstraction[;)] the skew of results for both sides in this battle is pretty clear to me. This is not to take away from your play or skill in planning it but the effects of the relative strikes aren't right IMO. Well done though for good planning and execution. Will not agree with the results though [;)]

By all means [;)]
After reading about the utter defeat of Japan in CT's AAR it's easy to see that things may have turned out very differently.
Some can be explained while other aspects are more difficult to grasp as you point out.

ORIGINAL: PzB

Much truth in that Witpqs; have the allies got proximity fuses for their AA yet?

I don't know the date for those, but I seem to remember someone writing 1944 and onward.

The battle today was much more than just the fight between carriers!
Prolonged surface battles, sub attacks and bombardments will be covered in this part.

We had to suppress Waingapoe this turn; to do so 2 light surface combat TFs were sent in.
A more powerful bombardment group was also dispatched. I took the BB Ise out of this group as I was afraid its slow speed would
not allow it to get there in time. 4 destroyers were ordered to meet up with the Ise.
- Somehow the latter didn't work and the Ise went in alone.

In the early part of the battle the crippled BB New Mexico was sunk.
Our first light surface group was then shot up by a much stronger Allied TF.
This TF again clashed with our second surface group and a US cruiser was torpedoed.

The bombardment group wasn't very efficient in an anti ship role but fought past the numerous Allied TFs.
- Andy had clearly dispatched very strong TFs to support Waingapoe this turn.

A destroyer squadron was lost altogether when it met a large Allied cruiser and destroyer TF in the PM phase.
Same with 2 torpedo boats.

But our bombardment groups got through and especially the Ise caused much damage on Waingapoe.
She alone met a large surface group on the way home but since this group was low on ammo and out of torps she got away.

In the PM turn both sides carrier TFs ran into eachother and constantly evaded combat.
Looks like Andy simply left his carriers were they were at the end of the last turn [&:]

Our subs finished the Enterprise, Bunker Hill and an CVE.

Never seen something this intense before!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 20, 43

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Waingapoe at 63,113, Range 8,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Kako
DD Natsushio
DD Umikaze
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Endeh at 64,113, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Minazuki, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Mochizuki
E Fuyo, Shell hits 1
DD Yanagi, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 1
CL Mobile
DD Taylor
DD Aylwin
DD Vampire
DD Vendetta
DE Encounter
DD Pakenham, Shell hits 1
DD Quadrant
DD Redoubt

Miyazaki, Isamu orders Japanese TF to disengage
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Waingapoe at 63,113, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Noshiro, Shell hits 1
DD Akizuki, Shell hits 2
DD Shiranui, Shell hits 1
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 3
DD Hikokaze

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Mobile
DD Taylor, Shell hits 2
DD Aylwin
DD Vampire
DD Vendetta
DE Encounter
DD Pakenham
DD Quadrant, Shell hits 1
DD Redoubt, Shell hits 2

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Waingapoe at 63,113, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA Kako
DD Natsushio
DD Umikaze
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Taylor
DD Aylwin
DD Vampire
DD Vendetta
DE Encounter
DD Pakenham, Shell hits 1
DD Quadrant

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Waingapoe at 63,113, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
CA Kinugasa, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsushio
DD Umikaze
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra
CL Richmond
DD Philip
DD Radford
DD Renshaw
DD Stanly
DD Strong, Shell hits 1

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Waingapoe at 63,113, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Kako, Shell hits 2
DD Natsushio
DD Umikaze
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
DD Redoubt, Shell hits 1, on fire

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Endeh at 64,113, Range 20,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 3
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
DD Natsushio, Shell hits 2
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Shikinami
DD Oboro
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Richmond, Shell hits 1
DD Philip
DD Radford, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Renshaw
DD Stanly, Shell hits 1
DD Strong

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Endeh at 64,113, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Shell hits 21, on fire

Allied Ships
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1
DD Taylor, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Aylwin
DD Vampire
DD Vendetta
DE Encounter
DD Pakenham
DD Quadrant

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Endeh at 64,113, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Hashidate, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
E W-33, Shell hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Mobile, Shell hits 1
DD Taylor, on fire
DD Aylwin
DD Vampire
DD Vendetta
DE Encounter
DD Pakenham, Shell hits 1
DD Quadrant

Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Endeh at 64,113, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
DD Shirakumo, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DD Fumizuki, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
DD Myojinami, Shell hits 26, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Frobisher, Shell hits 1
CL Ceres, Shell hits 2
CL Birmingham
DD Charles Ausburne
DD Bache, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Beale, Shell hits 1
DD Conway
DD Dyson
DD Laffey, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Duncan
DD Hughes, Shell hits 1
DD MacDonough

Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Memboro at 58,115, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
CV Soryu
CV Shokaku
CV Zuikaku
CV Taiho
CA Takao
CA Atago
CL Oyodo
DD Kazegumo
DD Makinami
DD Hayanami
DD Kagero
DD Yukikaze
DD Maikaze
DD Amatsukaze

Allied Ships
CV Victorious
CV Illustrious
CV Formidable
CVL Hermes
CVE Sangamon
CVE Suwannee
CVE Nassau
CVE Altamaha
CVE Breton
BB Mississippi
CA Vincennes
CA Suffolk
CA Cornwall
CL Mauritius
CL Glasgow
DD Schroeder
DD Aaron Ward

Both Task Forces evade combat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Memboro at 58,115, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CVL Ryuho
CVE Taiyo
CVE Unyo
CVE Chuyo
CVE Shinyo
CVE Kaiyo
BB Nagato
CA Mogami
CL Jintsu
DD Makigumo
DD Tamanami
DD Suzunami
DD Kiyonami
DD Asagumo

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga
CV Essex
CVL Belleau Wood
CA Houston
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis
CA Sussex
CLAA San Diego
CL Montpelier
DD Bush
DD Chevalier
DD Fullam
DD Hutchins
DD Harding
DD Carmick
DD Doyle
DD Endicott
DD Sampson

Both Task Forces evade combat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Memboro at 58,115, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CV Unryu
CV Amagi
CV Akagi
CVL Shoho
CVL Chitose
CVL Chiyoda
CA Haguro
CA Suzuya
DD Samidare
DD Usugumo
DD Kisaragi
DD Uzuki
DD Uruyuke
DD Tachekaze
CL Teshio

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown
CVL Princeton
CV Hornet
CA Indianapolis
CA Northampton
CA Baltimore
CA Devonshire
CLAA Atlanta
CL Honolulu
CL Columbia
DD Claxton
DD Converse
DD Cony
DD Foote
DD Jenkins
DD McKee

Both Task Forces evade combat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Night Naval bombardment of Waingapoe at 63,113 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
Albacore I: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-5 Dauntless: 2 destroyed on ground

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
CA Kako
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
DD Harukaze
DD Oboro
DD Shikinami
DD Umikaze
DD Natsushio

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Hiei
BB Hiei firing at Waingapoe
CA Kako firing at 33rd Infantry Division
CA Kinugasa firing at 33rd Infantry Division
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for CA Aoba
15th Marine Defense Battalion firing at CA Aoba
CA Aoba firing at 15th Marine Defense Battalion
DD Harukaze firing at Waingapoe
DD Oboro firing at Waingapoe
DD Shikinami firing at Waingapoe
DD Umikaze firing at Waingapoe
DD Natsushio firing at Waingapoe
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Waingapoe at 63,113

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 3 destroyed on ground
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
Albacore I: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
Kittyhawk IV: 3 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed on ground
P-40K Warhawk: 3 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
A-36 Mustang: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Ise

Allied ground losses:
169 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 27

BB Ise firing at Waingapoe
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Sub attack near Memboro at 59,116

Japanese Ships
SS I-158, hits 8

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Cleveland
CL Nashville
CL Helena
CLAA Reno
CLAA Juneau
DD Meade
DD Kalk
DD Hobby

SS I-158 launches 8 torpedoes at CV Enterprise
DD Meade fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Kalk fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hobby fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hobby attacking submerged sub ....
DD Hobby fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hobby attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-158 eludes DD Hobby by hugging bottom
DD Hobby fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hobby fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Waingapoe at 63,113

Japanese Ships
DD Natsushio
CA Kinugasa
DD Umikaze
DD Harukaze
DD Oboro

Allied Ships
SS Snook, hits 6, heavy damage

SS Snook launches 4 torpedoes at DD Natsushio
Snook bottoming out ....
DD Harukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oboro fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Harukaze attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Memboro at 59,117

Japanese Ships
SS I-168, hits 2

Allied Ships
CVE Santee, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Cleveland
CL Nashville
CLAA Reno
DD Meade
DD Kalk
DD Hobby

SS I-168 launches 4 torpedoes at CVE Santee
I-168 diving deep ....
DD Meade attacking submerged sub ....
DD Kalk fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hobby fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Meade fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Memboro at 59,117

Japanese Ships
SS I-27

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CLAA Juneau

SS I-27 launches 6 torpedoes at CV Enterprise
I-27 diving deep ....
CLAA Juneau fails to find sub, continues to search...
CLAA Juneau fails to find sub, continues to search...
CLAA Juneau attacking submerged sub ....
CLAA Juneau fails to find sub, continues to search...
CLAA Juneau fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Komodo at 63,111

Japanese Ships
DD Yanagi, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
E Fuyo

Allied Ships
SS Muskallunge

SS Muskallunge launches 6 torpedoes at DD Yanagi
Muskallunge bottoming out ....
E Fuyo fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Fuyo fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Fuyo fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Fuyo fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Fuyo fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Memboro at 58,115

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
CV Bunker Hill, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

CV Bunker Hill is sighted by SS I-158
SS I-158 launches 8 torpedoes at CV Bunker Hill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sea Battles

Congrats, really unbelievable.  A lot may be luck, such as weather, but surely Andy was still in at a disadvantage that can be traced back to your victory at Line Islands.
Got to reread all this tomorrow -- it is carnival in the Rhineland.  But it can say that I had the expectation that Andy would at least get a bloody nose at W*.  Awesome, though I feel a little sorry for the Scotsman.  Surely he will prevail in the long run, but this makes this game (and AAR) just more exciting!

What I noticed in the A2A battles was that the Zekes on CAP were very efficient, much more so than the Allied CAP fighters.
Larger Allied strikes were shot up really badly and the bombers that got through failed to score decisive hits.

A few Allied strikes with quite a few fighters came in from Waingapoe; we did sweep enemy fighters there which allowed our bombers to get through and close the fields.
Enemy 4Es were quite active and scored a hit on a CVL (10 sys, 7 flood damage).

Our LBA launched a large strike on enemy ships at Waingapoe but 40+ crack naval bombers didn't score a single hit.
Very strange how some targets are hit while others evade completely.

In the PM phase KB launched no strikes, just like in the last turn - also very strange.
Enemy air strength was broken in the AM phase and the smaller strikes in the afternoon were not able to get through.

Going over the KB carriers I was surprised about how intact the air groups were; some were of course shattered but 75% still had 2/3rds or more of their air groups left.
I quickly transferred reserves from Soerabaja so fighter strength is still at 90% or so.

We're now low on torpedoes and our strike groups are down to below 50% strength.
It will therefore be hard to achieve much more but I expect undamaged Allied ships to return to base now, leaving the crippled ones behind.
This is what Andy should have done after the last turn instead of reinforcing disaster.

It's quite strange to look back at all this; feels almost empty.
Was it really this simple to do what couldn't be done?

Now there'll be no end about unrealistic results, shoddy planing and gameplay [8|]

Still, I very much expected that it would be the Japanese war machine that would be lying broken on the bottom of the ocean after this campaign was done with.
Things surely change quickly...!



Air Combat

This first KB strike was easily diverted by the CAP!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 58,116
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 101
D4Y1 Judy x 33

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 7
Martlet II x 12
Martlet IV x 22
F4U-1A Corsair x 15
F6F-3 Hellcat x 174

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 10 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 16 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet IV: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 60,118
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 13

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Chenango

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 195
A6M5b Zero x 15
F1M2 Pete x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 3
SBD-5 Dauntless x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 2 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 22 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CVL Chitose

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 58,116
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 53 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
B6N1 Jill x 7

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 7
Martlet II x 7
Martlet IV x 14
F4U-1A Corsair x 12
F6F-3 Hellcat x 112

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 4 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 57 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 147
A6M5b Zero x 15
F1M2 Pete x 1

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 51
TBF-1 Avenger x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 5 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 76
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 76

Allied aircraft
A-36 Mustang x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-39N1 Airacobra x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 2
P-40N1 Warhawk x 4
P-40N5 Warhawk x 14
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 11 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40N5 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
33 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
4 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet *
17 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet *
18 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 200 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 55 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 69
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 65

Allied aircraft
A-36 Mustang x 1
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 1
P-40N1 Warhawk x 3
P-40N5 Warhawk x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 5
F4U-1 Corsair x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-36 Mustang: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40N5 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 5 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
35 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet *
27 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
11 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
12 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 86

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 1
P-40N1 Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 2
F6F-3 Hellcat x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
22 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 30000 feet
2 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Waingapoe , at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 28
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 11
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 47

Allied aircraft
P-40N1 Warhawk x 2
P-40N5 Warhawk x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 damaged
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 damaged
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed on ground
Kittyhawk IV: 1 destroyed on ground
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed on ground
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 9000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
15 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
8 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet
16 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 116
A6M5b Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 7
Martlet II x 12
Martlet IV x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29
SBD-5 Dauntless x 61
TBF-1 Avenger x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 10 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 19 destroyed, 23 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 13 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Unryu
CV Hiryu
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 2
CV Zuikaku
CV Shokaku
CV Amagi
CV Soryu
CVL Shoho

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 65
A6M5b Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 37
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 49
TBF-1 Avenger x 36

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 14 destroyed, 12 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 17 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Unryu
CV Shokaku
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 1
CV Zuikaku
CVL Chiyoda
CVL Chitose

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SB2C-1C Helldiver bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x SB2C-1C Helldiver bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SB2C-1C Helldiver bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
6 x SB2C-1C Helldiver bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
2 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 57 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 39
A6M5b Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 3
F4U-1 Corsair x 3
F6F-3 Hellcat x 3
TBF-1 Avenger x 26

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 9 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho
CV Hiryu
CVL Chitose
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Komodo at 63,111
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 11
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Norway Maru
E Aotaka
xAK Hohuku Maru
xAKL Miiko Maru
xAK Syunsei Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16
A6M5b Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
B-24D Liberator x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Amagi
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 59,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2
B-24D1 Liberator x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVE Chuyo
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Salajar at 66,108
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
N1K1 Rex x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 3
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
AMc Tamo Maru #6

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Waingapoe at 63,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 56 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 33
P1Y1 Frances x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Frobisher
CL Mobile
CL Ceres
DD Hughes
DD Laffey, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Mataram at 58,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 57 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho
CV Hiryu

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Komodo at 63,111
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Hohuku Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 12000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Endeh at 65,113
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
B6N1 Jill x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Renshaw
CL Richmond
DD Radford, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 3000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 4000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 59,114
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 3

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 59,115
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 133

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 5
Martlet II x 10
Martlet IV x 11
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 20
SBD-5 Dauntless x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
Martlet II: 3 destroyed
Martlet IV: 2 destroyed
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 6 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 59,115
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 90

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 30
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 14
TBF-1 Avenger x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 4 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 5 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 60,118
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 9

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 1
F6F-3 Hellcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Memboro at 59,115
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 66

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
CVE Shinyo

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Naval Attack: 10 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Komodo at 63,111
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Hohuku Maru
xAKL Miiko Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 11000 feet *
Naval Attack: 5 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Luganville (120,150)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 548 troops, 0 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 29
Defending force 446 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Allied adjusted assault: 10
Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Assaulting units:
14th NZ Bde /2

Defending units:
II/81st Naval Guard Unit
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Battles

Unbelievable indeed Jahn [:'(]
Will also have to review all this tomorrow; I also hope Andy will get through this "disaster".
Allies will make losses good by mid 44 but the game will most likely run well into 46 now.

The next challenge will be to keep the KB intact for another year or more and if possible continue to blunt the Allied steam roller as it picks up speed.

..and now, bedtime! [:)]

Dear lord you mauled the enemy. Devastating loss for Andy and his troops on W are doomed. CV knife fighting here, just crazy. I wonder if the odd air results the second day were in part caused by the close range. Radar or no, it's hard to get ready for a strike launched from 1 or 2 hexes away. That doesn't explain day one, however.

Perhaps pilot quality was critical. Andy may have lost his good pilots in the previous CV debacles in the Line Is, while I suspect your carrier jocks are the elite of the elite.

I have a feeling this game is over.
Can't imagine Andy will have the stomach to continue after this

PzB you are my hero! Pls be my master teacher! [:D]

Your victory is decisive, but Andy's faults helped to this.

Andy made many huge mistakes:
1. First of all he attacked base, which is too far from his positions.
2. Reinforcement came too slow and in a small parts.
3. Non-success of operation at the Waingapoe was evident few weeks ago.
4. Andy did not recognize and still reinforced Waingapoe.
5. So Andy lost many of his forces (air, naval, ground) unreasonably.
6. He should has attacked 9 air bases on Timor. It would be better place to start offensive in this area.