27 May 1942
Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 5:38 am
posts gone wild
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Shall we play a DBB-C game? - CT Grognard vs Arnhem (no CTG pls)
Page 14 of 19
27 May 1942
Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 5:39 am
posts gone wild
27 May 1942
Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:07 am
27 May 1942
China
Oscars sweep the air over Chungking but the CAF is grounded because I'm trying to conserve my meager supplies, going to move them out to safer airfields in case CK gets plastered the next round, the AVG is in Lashio for refit and replenishment, looks like they're going to be needed in a turn or two.
Main action is near Lanchow again, 2 tank regiments move in to try and hold the line but they do a shock attack as the cross the river on the hexside, little damage is done to either side and the Chinese shock attack in turn and push the tank regiments and the original infantry brigade out, CTG's going to have to shock attack to cross the river again or go through the mountains, either way, I've got him cold on this front for a while.
Ground combat at 82,34 (near Lanchow)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 768 troops, 0 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 88
Defending force 20992 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 536
Japanese adjusted assault: 36
Allied adjusted defense: 521
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 14
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Allied ground losses:
197 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Assaulting units:
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 82,34 (near Lanchow)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 20796 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 511
Defending force 4398 troops, 32 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 65
Allied adjusted assault: 154
Japanese adjusted defense: 25
Allied assault odds: 6 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
fatigue(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
1414 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 69 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 13 (13 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (17 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
27th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
Defending units:
12th Tank Regiment
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
China
Oscars sweep the air over Chungking but the CAF is grounded because I'm trying to conserve my meager supplies, going to move them out to safer airfields in case CK gets plastered the next round, the AVG is in Lashio for refit and replenishment, looks like they're going to be needed in a turn or two.
Main action is near Lanchow again, 2 tank regiments move in to try and hold the line but they do a shock attack as the cross the river on the hexside, little damage is done to either side and the Chinese shock attack in turn and push the tank regiments and the original infantry brigade out, CTG's going to have to shock attack to cross the river again or go through the mountains, either way, I've got him cold on this front for a while.
Ground combat at 82,34 (near Lanchow)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 768 troops, 0 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 88
Defending force 20992 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 536
Japanese adjusted assault: 36
Allied adjusted defense: 521
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 14
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Allied ground losses:
197 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Assaulting units:
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
Defending units:
27th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 82,34 (near Lanchow)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 20796 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 511
Defending force 4398 troops, 32 guns, 142 vehicles, Assault Value = 65
Allied adjusted assault: 154
Japanese adjusted defense: 25
Allied assault odds: 6 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)
fatigue(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
1414 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 69 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 13 (13 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (17 destroyed, 13 disabled)
Units retreated 3
Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Assaulting units:
27th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
Defending units:
12th Tank Regiment
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th Tank Regiment
28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 6:27 am
28-29 May 1942
Quiet turn on the 28th so we'll skip right along to the 29th.
China
An armored car company joins the IJA's 32nd Division southeast (true) of Patung, getting mauled in the process but getting a good look at the Chinese ORBAT in the process.
Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 180 troops, 0 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 424
Defending force 24833 troops, 146 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 468
Japanese adjusted assault: 0
Allied adjusted defense: 1015
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 33 (18 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Assaulting units:
9th Armored Car Co
32nd Division
Defending units:
8th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
Sub War
Allied ASW at Suva latches on to an I-boat and whips it pretty hard, combat animation reports explosion in the sub (can't remember specific location) and lots of hits and flooding, tracker reports an I-boat sunk but I'm pretty skeptical about sunk reports for I-boats, still one does hope she sinks on the way home.
In other news
To me, Tabi has always been the key to the Gilberts and CTG was investing a bit of effort into building up the place and I thought better to grab it now on the cheap while it was relatively lightly held then to try running the gauntlet later when it was an AF size 6. The probability of KB responding was high given that I knew it was around the neighbourhood and I was prepared for that.
The invasion fleet did a good job of hiding itself while on the run in from Pearl until about 2 days ago when Mavis patrols picked it and the acompanying CVs up. It was only on this turn that KB showed up but I'm sure CTG knew a couple of turns before this that I was coming. His positioning was impeccable as it would have allowed him a 8-hex strike on the bombardment force that was leading. But as fate would have it, turning the clouds overlay on will show that all 3 hexes where the ships are have bad weather over them and nothing flew this turn. Things could have turned out differently if he had been able to carry out the strike, he would not have been able to hit my CVs and leaking CAP from own CVs would have taken a bite as his airgroups setting me up for a decisive second day no matter whether my BBs survived the onslaught or not. I might rue that nothing happened this day.
I was vacillating between pushing ahead to the beaches or pulling back and finally decided to withdraw the invasion ships while pushing ahead with the BBs and the CVs. The reasoning was if I pulled everything back now he was going to come for me anyways and in a running battle where I was doing the running odds are I would lose more ships than he would, by moving forward I risk everything but I put KB at risk too, while keeping my invasion fleet out of danger, or least that's the plan.
The bombardment BBs will now switch to surface combat and will push out aggressively and hopefully be in a position come daylight to intercept KB while my own CVs will push forward, if we're going to trade punches I want to be in knife fighting (TBD) range so everything I have will be in play.
In the air, if recon is correct and assuming CTG didn't fiddle with KB's airgroups I will have an advantage in fighter numbers although with 300 bombers he's going to get quite a few past the Wildcats no matter how well I setup my defences. Each American CV has 1 VMF in addition to the organic VF, the Marines will fly local CAP with a range of 0 over the CVs while the VFs will split their strength between escort duties and CAP. Offensively, I have far fewer DBs and I don't expect my TBDs to figure much in the battle, anything that gets through will have to shoot really straight.
So there you have it, I don't need to return the turn for a while yet so have a couple of hours to contemplate all the possible outcomes, for the record the best I'm hoping for is an exchange of decks, worst is I come up snake eyes. Decisions, decisions.
Quiet turn on the 28th so we'll skip right along to the 29th.
China
An armored car company joins the IJA's 32nd Division southeast (true) of Patung, getting mauled in the process but getting a good look at the Chinese ORBAT in the process.
Ground combat at 81,47 (near Patung)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 180 troops, 0 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 424
Defending force 24833 troops, 146 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 468
Japanese adjusted assault: 0
Allied adjusted defense: 1015
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 99
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 33 (18 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Assaulting units:
9th Armored Car Co
32nd Division
Defending units:
8th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
Sub War
Allied ASW at Suva latches on to an I-boat and whips it pretty hard, combat animation reports explosion in the sub (can't remember specific location) and lots of hits and flooding, tracker reports an I-boat sunk but I'm pretty skeptical about sunk reports for I-boats, still one does hope she sinks on the way home.
In other news
To me, Tabi has always been the key to the Gilberts and CTG was investing a bit of effort into building up the place and I thought better to grab it now on the cheap while it was relatively lightly held then to try running the gauntlet later when it was an AF size 6. The probability of KB responding was high given that I knew it was around the neighbourhood and I was prepared for that.
The invasion fleet did a good job of hiding itself while on the run in from Pearl until about 2 days ago when Mavis patrols picked it and the acompanying CVs up. It was only on this turn that KB showed up but I'm sure CTG knew a couple of turns before this that I was coming. His positioning was impeccable as it would have allowed him a 8-hex strike on the bombardment force that was leading. But as fate would have it, turning the clouds overlay on will show that all 3 hexes where the ships are have bad weather over them and nothing flew this turn. Things could have turned out differently if he had been able to carry out the strike, he would not have been able to hit my CVs and leaking CAP from own CVs would have taken a bite as his airgroups setting me up for a decisive second day no matter whether my BBs survived the onslaught or not. I might rue that nothing happened this day.
I was vacillating between pushing ahead to the beaches or pulling back and finally decided to withdraw the invasion ships while pushing ahead with the BBs and the CVs. The reasoning was if I pulled everything back now he was going to come for me anyways and in a running battle where I was doing the running odds are I would lose more ships than he would, by moving forward I risk everything but I put KB at risk too, while keeping my invasion fleet out of danger, or least that's the plan.
The bombardment BBs will now switch to surface combat and will push out aggressively and hopefully be in a position come daylight to intercept KB while my own CVs will push forward, if we're going to trade punches I want to be in knife fighting (TBD) range so everything I have will be in play.
In the air, if recon is correct and assuming CTG didn't fiddle with KB's airgroups I will have an advantage in fighter numbers although with 300 bombers he's going to get quite a few past the Wildcats no matter how well I setup my defences. Each American CV has 1 VMF in addition to the organic VF, the Marines will fly local CAP with a range of 0 over the CVs while the VFs will split their strength between escort duties and CAP. Offensively, I have far fewer DBs and I don't expect my TBDs to figure much in the battle, anything that gets through will have to shoot really straight.
So there you have it, I don't need to return the turn for a while yet so have a couple of hours to contemplate all the possible outcomes, for the record the best I'm hoping for is an exchange of decks, worst is I come up snake eyes. Decisions, decisions.
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 6:52 am
Just don't put your CAP up to high. Make sure they have plenty of time to shoot down bombers. If he goes high escort (number of fighters) you should have an easy time punching through CAP but most likely he will run high CAP as 300 bombers will always get past your fighters and he is probably more worried about losing decks then aircraft and pilots.
You might want to consider lightly escorting your strikes. 40-50 F4s should be sufficient to punch through. No radar for him yet!
Do you have submarines on standby? They help with picking up shot down airmen and perhaps you get lucky and damage one of his CVs before battle...
Good luck !
You might want to consider lightly escorting your strikes. 40-50 F4s should be sufficient to punch through. No radar for him yet!
Do you have submarines on standby? They help with picking up shot down airmen and perhaps you get lucky and damage one of his CVs before battle...
Good luck !
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:38 am
The majority of the defending fighters are set at 15k with 2 each at 10k and 20k. Figure since the escorting fighters will default to +2k altitude of my own strike package setting I can set the defending altitudes the way I like it.
Both the VMFs and VFs are set at 50% CAP, I figure if the dedicated defenders (VMFs) are set at 100% they might take a bite out of the first wave but that will leave me wide open in the subsequent waves and I've got radar on my side so no sense putting everyone up in the air at first light. Another thing that has me concerned is only 2 of 5 VMFs are carrier trained, I know they're logging missions from the squadron pilots window but don't know how many will actually take to the air at crunch time. 300 angry IJN bombers is starting to sound like more than I can handle.
I've got 3 subs in the immediate area with another half dozen in play in a day if I push them.
Both the VMFs and VFs are set at 50% CAP, I figure if the dedicated defenders (VMFs) are set at 100% they might take a bite out of the first wave but that will leave me wide open in the subsequent waves and I've got radar on my side so no sense putting everyone up in the air at first light. Another thing that has me concerned is only 2 of 5 VMFs are carrier trained, I know they're logging missions from the squadron pilots window but don't know how many will actually take to the air at crunch time. 300 angry IJN bombers is starting to sound like more than I can handle.
I've got 3 subs in the immediate area with another half dozen in play in a day if I push them.
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:47 am
ORIGINAL: Arnhem
The majority of the defending fighters are set at 15k with 2 each at 10k and 20k. Figure since the escorting fighters will default to +2k altitude of my own strike package setting I can set the defending altitudes the way I like it.
Both the VMFs and VFs are set at 50% CAP, I figure if the dedicated defenders (VMFs) are set at 100% they might take a bite out of the first wave but that will leave me wide open in the subsequent waves and I've got radar on my side so no sense putting everyone up in the air at first light. Another thing that has me concerned is only 2 of 5 VMFs are carrier trained, I know they're logging missions from the squadron pilots window but don't know how many will actually take to the air at crunch time. 300 angry IJN bombers is starting to sound like more than I can handle.
I've got 3 subs in the immediate area with another half dozen in play in a day if I push them.
If i may, those dedicated defenders should be set at 0 range. You don't want them to wander around and being recalled (thus losing time) when the strike arrives
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:50 am
ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
If i may, those dedicated defenders should be set at 0 range. You don't want them to wander around and being recalled (thus losing time) when the strike arrives
Already set. I was toying with the idea of putting bombs on the TBDs too.
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:50 am
Push the subs!
How many fighters do you have? 200+? IJN bombers and torpedo bombers die easily but expect half of them to get through your screen.
FLAK is much more potent in DBB so that will be a factor. Half of the remaining bombers will divert to attack DDs and CAs and if you bled his CV pilot quality a lot of the torpedoes will miss depending on sequence...
Fighting is taking chances... Are you ready to fight and perhaps lose a few carriers?
How many fighters do you have? 200+? IJN bombers and torpedo bombers die easily but expect half of them to get through your screen.
FLAK is much more potent in DBB so that will be a factor. Half of the remaining bombers will divert to attack DDs and CAs and if you bled his CV pilot quality a lot of the torpedoes will miss depending on sequence...
Fighting is taking chances... Are you ready to fight and perhaps lose a few carriers?
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:19 am
and watch out for the dreaded 8 hexes range strike IJN capabilities! Close the range as much as you can
RE: 28-29 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:19 am
ORIGINAL: Cannonfodder
Push the subs!
How many fighters do you have? 200+? IJN bombers and torpedo bombers die easily but expect half of them to get through your screen.
FLAK is much more potent in DBB so that will be a factor. Half of the remaining bombers will divert to attack DDs and CAs and if you bled his CV pilot quality a lot of the torpedoes will miss depending on sequence...
Fighting is taking chances... Are you ready to fight and perhaps lose a few carriers?
225, about a third are -4, the rest -3s.
I estimate I took out about 1/6 of his pilots over Suva about 4 months ago game time, a good 50 bomber pilots so hopefully he's not been able to replace his losses man for man.
I have a boatload of DDs and CAs to throw at KB if push comes to shove and I lose all my decks.
30 May 1942
Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 10:37 pm
30 May 1942
Heading off to work so I'll just post the combat reports, will go through in details later on in the day. Upshot of it seems that for the outright loss of Saratoga and probably Enterprise I've hurt CTG bad, hopefully I've taken at least an equal number of decks. Mouseover shows at least 6 CV type ships. To add to that, Tabi now comes into play, it's a level 3 AF and I bet my last dollar every serviceable KB plane is now flying off it. Both sides are a long way from home, there are lots of hurt ships out there, I've lost at least a third of my airgroups, I'm low on gas, don't smoke, it's dark and I'm wearing sunglasses.
Attacks are in sequence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 135,134
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 93
B5N2 Kate x 55
D3A1 Val x 40
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 40
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 10 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 1
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
DD Woodworth
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
24 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 135,134
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 9
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 26
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10300 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 93 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7620 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10180 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 135,135
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 78
B5N1 Kate x 32
B5N2 Kate x 119
D3A1 Val x 136
Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 36
F4F-3 Wildcat x 68
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 5 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 8 destroyed, 13 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 2
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Walke
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
CLAA Atlanta, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL St. Louis
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Dunlap
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco
CL Phoenix
DD Sims
DD Hughes
DD Anderson, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
20 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
21 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
21 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
14 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
16 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
VMF-212 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Enterprise
Fuel storage explosion on CV Saratoga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 138,138
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 67
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 30
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
SBD-3 Dauntless x 168
TBD-1 Devastator x 60
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBD-1 Devastator: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 8, on fire
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 2
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
CA Haguro
BB Yamashiro
DD Maikaze
DD Kazegumo
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Fuel storage explosion on CV Junyo
Fuel storage explosion on CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Kaga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Akagi
Ammo storage explosion on CV Zuikaku
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Zuikaku
Magazine explodes on BB Haruna
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Hiryu class CV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 138,138
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 15
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 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 16000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 71 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Heading off to work so I'll just post the combat reports, will go through in details later on in the day. Upshot of it seems that for the outright loss of Saratoga and probably Enterprise I've hurt CTG bad, hopefully I've taken at least an equal number of decks. Mouseover shows at least 6 CV type ships. To add to that, Tabi now comes into play, it's a level 3 AF and I bet my last dollar every serviceable KB plane is now flying off it. Both sides are a long way from home, there are lots of hurt ships out there, I've lost at least a third of my airgroups, I'm low on gas, don't smoke, it's dark and I'm wearing sunglasses.
Attacks are in sequence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 135,134
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 93
B5N2 Kate x 55
D3A1 Val x 40
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 40
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 10 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 1
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
DD Woodworth
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
24 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(13 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 135,134
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes
Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 9
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 26
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10300 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 93 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7620 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 60 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10180 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 135,135
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 78
B5N1 Kate x 32
B5N2 Kate x 119
D3A1 Val x 136
Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 36
F4F-3 Wildcat x 68
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 5 damaged
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 23 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 8 destroyed, 13 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 2
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Walke
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
CLAA Atlanta, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL St. Louis
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
DD Dunlap
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires
CA Astoria, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco
CL Phoenix
DD Sims
DD Hughes
DD Anderson, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
20 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
21 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
11 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
21 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
14 x D3A1 Val bombing from 16000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
16 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-3 Wildcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VMF-121 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VMF-211 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
VMF-212 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
VMF-221 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Enterprise
Fuel storage explosion on CV Saratoga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 138,138
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 67
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 30
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
SBD-3 Dauntless x 168
TBD-1 Devastator x 60
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBD-1 Devastator: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 8, on fire
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CL Yubari, Bomb hits 2
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
CA Haguro
BB Yamashiro
DD Maikaze
DD Kazegumo
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Fuel storage explosion on CV Junyo
Fuel storage explosion on CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Kaga
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Shoho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Akagi
Ammo storage explosion on CV Zuikaku
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Zuikaku
Magazine explodes on BB Haruna
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Hiryu class CV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Arorae at 138,138
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 15
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
CAP engaged:
Chitose Ku S-1 with A6M2 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 16000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 71 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 55 minutes
Junyo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 12:04 am
Wow - that's some carnage [X(]!
I'm pretty sure Junyo and Soryu are toast. Zuikaku is a probable. The others that report heavy damage but only "fires" rather than "heavy fires" will probably survive but will be out of action for a long time.
Conventional wisdom is that the loss of two or three carriers is devastating to the Japanese while the Allies can replace theirs, BUT, it's just such a long time until the Essex class shows up. You may be need to dominate with your CVEs in late 1942! [:D]
Here's hoping he withdraws using his remaining carriers to cover his cripples instead of chasing yours!
I'm pretty sure Junyo and Soryu are toast. Zuikaku is a probable. The others that report heavy damage but only "fires" rather than "heavy fires" will probably survive but will be out of action for a long time.
Conventional wisdom is that the loss of two or three carriers is devastating to the Japanese while the Allies can replace theirs, BUT, it's just such a long time until the Essex class shows up. You may be need to dominate with your CVEs in late 1942! [:D]
Here's hoping he withdraws using his remaining carriers to cover his cripples instead of chasing yours!
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:42 am
Japanese Carriers
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Unaccounted for
CVL Ryujo
Escort carriers (most likely not there)
Launch capable
CV Shokaku
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires (Maybe)
CV Kaga (Maybe)
CVL Ryujo (Most likely in the area)
That is around 300 aircraft worst case..
I think you did a very good job...
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Unaccounted for
CVL Ryujo
Escort carriers (most likely not there)
Launch capable
CV Shokaku
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires (Maybe)
CV Kaga (Maybe)
CVL Ryujo (Most likely in the area)
That is around 300 aircraft worst case..
I think you did a very good job...
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:12 am
Couple of observations based on the combat reports, have yet to sit through the combat replay again, very painful, loss of Enterprise bring much sadness.
1. The BB TF did better than I expected in drawing out some of the sting from KB's pilots. I honestly thought the AI would ignore the BBs and concentrate on the CVs.
2. The Allied CVs only go into the action in the afternoon phase, the IJN was busy throughout the day, I'd imagine the result would be very different if there were strikes by the IJN both during the morning and afternoon.
3. AA fire doesn't seem to be too much of a factor this early in the war for both sides, or so I thought until I broke the numbers down (see below)
4. There's something to be said of keeping CVs in single CV TFs. Apart from the Enterprise and Saratoga TFs, the IJN never got a sniff at the other 3 decks.
5. Quite curiously, the other 3 TFs that weren't engaged have full magazines, all the CV TFs travelled together and ended up in the same hex at the end of the day pulse, yet only the Enterprise and Saratoga escorts show that they expended AA ammo. I would have thought they would have been some form of participation from the other TFs in the hex.
Allied air losses
89 Wildcats - 38 A2A, 4 Ground, 47 Ops
66 SBDs - 12 A2A, 2 Flak, 52 Ops
37 TBDs - 15 A2A, 1 Flak, 21 Ops
According to Tracker, Japanese air losses, the ingame count doesn't vary much from Tracker.
29 Zeroes - 20 A2A, 1 Ground, 8 Ops
19 Vals - 17 A2A, 2 Flak
38 Kates - 18 A2A, 16 Flak, 1 Ground, 3 Ops
It would seem the fighters on both sides did their jobs well while on the offensive, delivering their charges to their targets with acceptable losses. I don't really know what to make of their performance on defence except to say that the USN could have come off worse judging from the altitudes of the Zeroes while on defence, we came in relatively higher than most of the CAP and that probably contributed to the relatively low losses on the strike package.
Considering 287 IJN bombers and 228 USN bombers went after their counterparts homes I was surprised at the relatively light losses inflicted by AA. Could it be that the value of shipborne AA (at least at this stage in the war) would be to throw off the aim of the attacking bombers more than shooting them down outright? Would love to have a look again at the replays when I get off work tonight.
1. The BB TF did better than I expected in drawing out some of the sting from KB's pilots. I honestly thought the AI would ignore the BBs and concentrate on the CVs.
2. The Allied CVs only go into the action in the afternoon phase, the IJN was busy throughout the day, I'd imagine the result would be very different if there were strikes by the IJN both during the morning and afternoon.
3. AA fire doesn't seem to be too much of a factor this early in the war for both sides, or so I thought until I broke the numbers down (see below)
4. There's something to be said of keeping CVs in single CV TFs. Apart from the Enterprise and Saratoga TFs, the IJN never got a sniff at the other 3 decks.
5. Quite curiously, the other 3 TFs that weren't engaged have full magazines, all the CV TFs travelled together and ended up in the same hex at the end of the day pulse, yet only the Enterprise and Saratoga escorts show that they expended AA ammo. I would have thought they would have been some form of participation from the other TFs in the hex.
Allied air losses
89 Wildcats - 38 A2A, 4 Ground, 47 Ops
66 SBDs - 12 A2A, 2 Flak, 52 Ops
37 TBDs - 15 A2A, 1 Flak, 21 Ops
According to Tracker, Japanese air losses, the ingame count doesn't vary much from Tracker.
29 Zeroes - 20 A2A, 1 Ground, 8 Ops
19 Vals - 17 A2A, 2 Flak
38 Kates - 18 A2A, 16 Flak, 1 Ground, 3 Ops
It would seem the fighters on both sides did their jobs well while on the offensive, delivering their charges to their targets with acceptable losses. I don't really know what to make of their performance on defence except to say that the USN could have come off worse judging from the altitudes of the Zeroes while on defence, we came in relatively higher than most of the CAP and that probably contributed to the relatively low losses on the strike package.
Considering 287 IJN bombers and 228 USN bombers went after their counterparts homes I was surprised at the relatively light losses inflicted by AA. Could it be that the value of shipborne AA (at least at this stage in the war) would be to throw off the aim of the attacking bombers more than shooting them down outright? Would love to have a look again at the replays when I get off work tonight.
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:43 am
posts gone wild.
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:47 am
ORIGINAL: Cannonfodder
Japanese Carriers
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Unaccounted for
CVL Ryujo
Escort carriers (most likely not there)
Launch capable
CV Shokaku
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires (Maybe)
CV Kaga (Maybe)
CVL Ryujo (Most likely in the area)
That is around 300 aircraft worst case..
I think you did a very good job...
Ryujo's a reef, courtesy of the Boise early in the war. I concur with your BDA but assumed the worst case and put all of the maybes as intact which would put 3 CVs + 2 CVLs vs my 3 intact CV TFs. On my 3 decks I can scrape together 100 fighters, 100 SBDs and maybe 30 TBDs. Facing them would probably be at worst, 120 Zeroes, 240 bombers split evenly.
The options I'm considering
1. Finish the job, I have 2 intact BBs together with CAs and DDs who suddenly have no CV to escort. I'm tempted to go in guns blazing and then hope the airstrikes that follow will finish the job, at worst case, it's MAD and it's a win for the Allies in that case, ugly though it may be.
2. Run for the hills, leaving Enterprise and my wounded capital ships behind as a distraction. 3 intact CVs and Wasp about to come on the map versus at worst case 3 operational and 3 damaged IJN CVs is not bad till the Essexes start coming on stream in mid-43.
3. Deliberate fighting withdrawal, try and save as many ships as I can.
4. Allied subs come into play the next turn no matter what I do.
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:20 pm
I made the difficult decision of scuttling Enterprise, she was barely making steerage way and to attempt to get her out safely would be to jeopardize the remaining fleet, every damaged other ship besides the old BBs was capable of making at least 20 knots and I didn't see the need to lose more than I already had. I detached a pair of STFs to try and intercept KB to compensate but even then they'll just sweep the area while withdrawing more than look for a fight. My old BBs are the ones who will probably not make it but who knows, stranger things have happened.
Looking at the combat replay I'm confident that Junyo and Soryu sank and Zuikaku is a strong probable. Akagi is in a world of hurt and is a possible. The rest should make it to safety if they get past my subs. We'll see what the next turn brings.
Looking at the combat replay I'm confident that Junyo and Soryu sank and Zuikaku is a strong probable. Akagi is in a world of hurt and is a possible. The rest should make it to safety if they get past my subs. We'll see what the next turn brings.
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 4:40 pm
RE: 30 May 1942
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 3:59 pm
Very interested how this will play out.. I understand most of your moves but. Just wondering why you are withdrawing your CVs south and then east.. why not south to get more distance between you and KB?