Up and at 'em. Mundy vs hjones6464@yahoo.co.uk

[Mundy]

26 May 1942

I sent my Wellingtons out to Tavoy at night, as there appeared to be ship there. Good results for two bombers.

Night Air attack on Tavoy , at 54,60

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

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

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 2

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

A Japanese bombardment at Melbourne. They've all gone like this.

Ground combat at Melbourne (82,170)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 58486 troops, 797 guns, 469 vehicles, Assault Value = 2421

Defending force 65063 troops, 1223 guns, 1656 vehicles, Assault Value = 2225

Japanese ground losses:
696 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
23rd Nav Gd Unit
9th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
Kimura Det
I./33rd Inf Regt
48th Recon Regiment
38th Division
II./4th Infantry Battalion
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
2nd Indpt SNLF Coy
144th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
20th Engineer Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
I./4th Infantry Battalion
Maizuru 1st SNLF
III./4th Infantry Battalion
56th Recon Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
53rd Naval Guard Unit
47th Infantry Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
II./124th Infantry Battalion
II/81st Naval Guard Unit
4th RF Gun Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th RF Gun Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
16th Army
6th RF Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
16th AA Regiment

Defending units:
2/1 NAOU Det.
7th SA Armoured Brigade
27th Rhodesian Brigade
2nd British Para Brigade
2nd NZ Brigade
2/6th Ind Coy
2/8th Ind Coy
44th British Division
7th Armoured Brigade
9th Australian Division
6th Australian Division
Natal Mtd Rifles Regiment
3rd RAAF M/W Sqn
NW Australia Base Force
33rd Medium Regiment
C/D Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
NW Aus Aviation Rgt
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing
10th Patl RAAF Wing
A/B Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd Australian Army
13th Australian Hvy AA Regiment
RAAF OTU Melbourne
2nd RNZAF Base Force
N Force Detachment

Dave tries an attack on our stagnated front at Clark. Beat him off, despite the odds.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48097 troops, 394 guns, 194 vehicles, Assault Value = 1721

Defending force 13186 troops, 274 guns, 358 vehicles, Assault Value = 452

Japanese adjusted assault: 867

Allied adjusted defense: 745

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
4828 casualties reported
Squads: 55 destroyed, 228 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 57 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 47 disabled
Guns lost 49 (6 destroyed, 43 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
846 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 55 disabled
Guns lost 60 (6 destroyed, 54 disabled)
Vehicles lost 33 (1 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Assaulting units:
47th Naval Guard Unit
85th Naval Guard Unit
11th Garrison Unit
65th Naval Guard Unit
86th Naval Guard Unit
41st Naval Guard Unit
88th Naval Guard Unit
12th Engineer Regiment
46th Naval Guard Unit
71st Engineer Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
Yokosuka 5th SNLF
42nd Naval Guard Unit
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
89th Naval Guard Unit
6th Indpt SNLF Coy
10th Garrison Unit
9th Armored Car Co
43rd Naval Guard Unit
Kure 5th SNLF
48th Naval Guard Unit
87th Naval Guard Unit
Kure 3rd SNLF
II/19th Naval Guard Unit
62nd Naval Guard Unit
64th Naval Guard Unit
I/19th Naval Guard Unit
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
III/19th Naval Guard Unit
63rd Naval Guard Unit
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
18th Naval Guard Unit
67th Naval Guard Unit
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
22nd JNAF AF Unit
18th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
35th Infantry Regiment
34th Combat Engineer Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
27th Infantry Regiment
1st PA Infantry Division
II Philippine Corps
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment

This is about as exciting as things get lately.

[Mundy]

29 May 1942

In one turn, Shokaku has been sighted by Coastwatchers at Geelong and Luganville. Akagi was seen this turn at Shortlands, Newcastle, Port Kembla and Maryborough. They really get around. Safe to say, KB is either at Australia or the Solomons. I'd find it surprising if he's broken them up like that. The temptation is great to send in my carrier for a port raid, but I'll beat that impulse back down.

Out west, Illustrious and Formidable got hit by land based air west of Rangoon. I was covering what I was hoping to be a battleship bombardment of Tavoy, but this is scrubbed.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Port Blair at 49,55

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 50,54

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious
CV Formidable

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 4 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 7 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 50,54

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 112 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 48 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
B5N1 Kate x 22
B5N2 Kate x 10

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 21

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

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1
CV Formidable

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 7 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes

Illustrious is sitting about 20 flt, but can make 20 kts. They've since cleared the area, so they're safe. At this point, I don't think I can accomplish much with RN Naval Aviation. Port Blair is too big a nut for them to deal with. Maybe I can eventually shut that base down when USAAF heavy bombers start to arrive. Hopefully when that time comes, he'll keep his battleships at Tavoy and I can wreck them in port like I did to KenchiSulla in my last game. As it is, I'm going to send them to Pearl via Cape Town to help with my attack on the Marshalls. I'll ditch their crap air groups and put Marine squadrons on board at that point. Hornet's fully outfitted with TBFs at this point, so things can only get better. Wasp is due to show within a week or so.

Lots of troops have been showing up in the states lately and I'm getting them moved to Pearl. Some of the scattered fragments around Alaska are also being rounded up and recombined at Dutch Harbor.

[Macclan5]

Sorry to make you start again... [8D]

But it is an interesting war !

Holding in the Philippines

Besieged in Australia all the way to Melbourne. FDR and Winston's nightmare (well perhaps India was WCs nightmare)

Stable but formidable odds in Burma.

You must have the Central Pacific open. The Marshall's Gilberts, Midway, Wake and Marcus. A potential pipeline to Manila.

"Japan cant be strong everywhere" or so it is said.

Time ticking away - troops and ships arriving... I dont envy Japan's position with troops starving in Australia when fleets of landing craft, CVs CVE's, troops and supply start to roll in in the next 6 months.

I am opining from my limited experience the auto-victory chance is passing by.

[Mundy]

Glad you're liking it. [:)]

I think he's got auto-victory, if he wants it.

The Philippines are mostly stalemated, with him having an edge. More on Melbourne below. I'm setting my sights on the Marshalls next, contingent on the arrival of Wasp and the two RN carriers from Colombo. Troops need to fully train yet anyway. More battleships would be nice to add to the invasion TFs. I like to put them there instead of a separate bombardment TF, as they seem to kill more troops when they're with the landings. Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Roi-Namur and Wotje are all getting troops assigned and I plan to hit them all at once. Base forces and planes will be very close behind the invaders, so I can dump everyone off quickly and be gone soon.

02 June 1942

With the new month, it's upgrade day. Mostly transports going under today, but 4 USN BBs are down also, getting their 40mm upgrades. Two were already under repair at Mare Is and Alameda, so no real delay there.

It's also attack time at Melbourne.

Ground combat at Melbourne (82,170)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 88495 troops, 966 guns, 1060 vehicles, Assault Value = 3004

Defending force 65599 troops, 1226 guns, 1663 vehicles, Assault Value = 2226

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese adjusted assault: 2253

Allied adjusted defense: 12705

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 4)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
18414 casualties reported
Squads: 432 destroyed, 1110 disabled
Non Combat: 106 destroyed, 294 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 240 disabled
Guns lost 183 (48 destroyed, 135 disabled)
Vehicles lost 162 (19 destroyed, 143 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1315 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 27 disabled
Guns lost 44 (1 destroyed, 43 disabled)
Vehicles lost 24 (1 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
Kimura Det
171st Cavalry Regiment
4th Division
Maizuru 1st SNLF
146th Infantry Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
23rd Nav Gd Unit
I./4th Infantry Battalion
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
124th Infantry Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
56th Recon Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
144th Infantry Regiment
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
2nd Indpt SNLF Coy
53rd Naval Guard Unit
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
III./4th Infantry Battalion
20th Engineer Regiment
38th Division
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
II/81st Naval Guard Unit
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th RF Gun Battalion
7th RF Gun Battalion
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
6th RF Gun Battalion
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
16th Army
16th AA Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
12th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion

Defending units:
2/8th Ind Coy
27th Rhodesian Brigade
44th British Division
2/6th Ind Coy
2/1 NAOU Det.
7th Armoured Brigade
6th Australian Division
7th SA Armoured Brigade
2nd British Para Brigade
9th Australian Division
2nd NZ Brigade
Natal Mtd Rifles Regiment
C/D Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing
2nd RAAF M/W Sqn
NW Australia Base Force
RAAF OTU Melbourne
A/B Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd Australian Army
33rd Medium Regiment
NW Aus Aviation Rgt
13th Australian Hvy AA Regiment
3rd RAAF M/W Sqn
10th Patl RAAF Wing
2nd RNZAF Base Force
N Force Detachment

When I last looked, I still had a little over 100k in supply there. That and a few very powerful units should keep this afloat for a long time. That South African armored brigade with over 100 Matildas is probably carrying this fight.

Not much action elsewhere on the map, apart form another bombardment. I think nearly all his battleships are based at Tavoy.

Naval bombardment of Moulmein at 55,55

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Yamashiro
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CA Kumano
CA Mogami
CL Kitakami
CL Naka

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Hyuga firing at 7th Australian Division
BB Yamashiro firing at 7th Australian Division
BB Haruna firing at 7th Australian Division
BB Kongo firing at 18th British Division
CA Kumano firing at 17th Indian Division
CA Mogami firing at 7th Australian Division
CL Kitakami firing at 7th Australian Division
CL Naka firing at 1st Burma Division

I'm wishing my subs would get lucky here.

[Macclan5]

ORIGINAL: Mundy

Glad you're liking it. [:)]

I think he's got auto-victory, if he wants it.

The Philippines are mostly stalemated, with him having an edge. More on Melbourne below. I'm setting my sights on the Marshalls next, contingent on the arrival of Wasp and the two RN carriers from Colombo. Troops need to fully train yet anyway. More battleships would be nice to add to the invasion TFs. I like to put them there instead of a separate bombardment TF, as they seem to kill more troops when they're with the landings. Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Roi-Namur and Wotje are all getting troops assigned and I plan to hit them all at once. Base forces and planes will be very close behind the invaders, so I can dump everyone off quickly and be gone soon.

Ahh I didnt see the path - Oz without PI to Auto-victory.

This seems to be a highly specialized path. New to me however inexperienced I am.

--

However Melbourne looks as if it can hold.

Do you have the opportunity to sneak in a SCTF to bombard i.e from Auckland?

--

Does he still hold Clarke Field? Any opportunities to sneak Bombers into Clarke or Manila and start Oil bombing ?

I dont know how much that attack on Melbourne represents - I don't know the Japanese OOB well enough...

..but he has to be very thin everywhere with Manchuria, China, Burma troop garrison levels..

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

ORIGINAL: Mundy

Glad you're liking it. [:)]

I think he's got auto-victory, if he wants it.

The Philippines are mostly stalemated, with him having an edge. More on Melbourne below. I'm setting my sights on the Marshalls next, contingent on the arrival of Wasp and the two RN carriers from Colombo. Troops need to fully train yet anyway. More battleships would be nice to add to the invasion TFs. I like to put them there instead of a separate bombardment TF, as they seem to kill more troops when they're with the landings. Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Roi-Namur and Wotje are all getting troops assigned and I plan to hit them all at once. Base forces and planes will be very close behind the invaders, so I can dump everyone off quickly and be gone soon.

Ahh I didnt see the path - Oz without PI to Auto-victory.

This seems to be a highly specialized path. New to me however inexperienced I am.

--

However Melbourne looks as if it can hold.

Do you have the opportunity to sneak in a SCTF to bombard i.e from Auckland?

--

Does he still hold Clarke Field? Any opportunities to sneak Bombers into Clarke or Manila and start Oil bombing ?

I dont know how much that attack on Melbourne represents - I don't know the Japanese OOB well enough...

..but he has to be very thin everywhere with Manchuria, China, Burma troop garrison levels..

When the game first came out there were a few JFBs who successfully took all of Oz. Since then, the Allied side has learned that it only takes a few reinforcements in the Southeast quadrant to make a redoubt that the Japanese do not have time to crack before the worm turns.

[Mundy]

Bombarding his guys at Melbourne would be a problem. He's heavily mined Portsea next to there. I've lost two minesweepers trying to clear it, as well as some subs trying to get through. He's also got land based air ringing the area. On top of that, I suspect KB is housed at some of the ports around the area.

I still hold Clark. I'm marginally stronger at Manila, but my forces there are cut off and his bombardments are taking casualties each turn. I don't think I can hold Clark forever, though.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45563 troops, 429 guns, 352 vehicles, Assault Value = 1313

Defending force 12490 troops, 265 guns, 356 vehicles, Assault Value = 372

Japanese adjusted assault: 486

Allied adjusted defense: 634

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
4010 casualties reported
Squads: 94 destroyed, 174 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Guns lost 60 (9 destroyed, 51 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1017 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 73 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 52 disabled
Guns lost 49 (2 destroyed, 47 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (5 destroyed, 31 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Kure 3rd SNLF
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
18th Naval Guard Unit
Kure 5th SNLF
62nd Naval Guard Unit
10th Garrison Unit
12th Engineer Regiment
46th Naval Guard Unit
65th Naval Guard Unit
III/19th Naval Guard Unit
86th Naval Guard Unit
48th Engineer Regiment
85th Naval Guard Unit
Sasebo 5th SNLF
Yokosuka 5th SNLF
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
89th Naval Guard Unit
47th Naval Guard Unit
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
43rd Naval Guard Unit
10th Tank Regiment
63rd Naval Guard Unit
II/19th Naval Guard Unit
88th Naval Guard Unit
87th Naval Guard Unit
9th Armored Car Co
41st Naval Guard Unit
71st Engineer Regiment
42nd Naval Guard Unit
11th Garrison Unit
64th Naval Guard Unit
I/19th Naval Guard Unit
48th Naval Guard Unit
67th Naval Guard Unit
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
22nd JNAF AF Unit
11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
18th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
35th Infantry Regiment
34th Combat Engineer Regiment
27th Infantry Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
1st PA Infantry Division
II Philippine Corps
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment

My supply/troop run to Luzon did buy them a lot of time, but I think the cost was much too high. I lost a bunch of transports and s couple carriers in the deal.

I'm guessing he's thin around the map. Most of his battleships are around Burma. The bases north of Noumea are most likely weakly held. I'm setting my sights on the Marshalls on this point. After that, Truk is tempting, as taking that base would bring everything south of there to a screeching halt. I'm not sure if he's sacrificed Truk's defenses for this or not. My attempt vs KS in my other game did not go well, so I'm leery of trying it.

He hasn't even bothered with PM at this point, though I can't resupply them either. Lately, he's finally taking some of the bases in the DEI, which he's mostly bypassed.

[Mundy]

09 June 1942

Sorta a bloody turn, this one was.

A few turns ago, my Chinese took Kukong. They're now headed towards Canton. There's about 2600 AV worth of troops here. I was nervous about leaving Liuchow bare, but I'll be up over 3000 there in a few days.

My remaining three ships at Melbourne, John D Edwards, Pillsbury and Boise tried to break out. They were very damaged at start from his air raids. They couldn't get through his massive minefield at Portsea, and all died.

My bombers at Suva hit Noumea and smacked his little craft there.

Morning Air attack on Noumea , at 115,160

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 5
B-17E Fortress x 15
LB-30 Liberator x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
ACM Zosen Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
ACM Tama Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
PB Kyo Maru #8, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Kyo Maru #10, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
101st I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
3rd Sentai Det A with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Noumea , at 115,160

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4
LB-30 Liberator x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed

Port hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
101st I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
3rd Sentai Det A with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (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 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 65 minutes

Over near Burma, my planes hit his battleship group, getting several scores.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Haruna

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
1st Sentai/B with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
11th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 70 minutes
1st Sentai/B with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 139 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 69 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1st Sentai/B with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 128 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 6
Blenheim IV x 2
Mohawk IV x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
Mohawk IV: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Haruna
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Beaufort I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
2 x Blenheim IV bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
1st Sentai/B with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
11th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 76 minutes
1st Sentai/B with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 66 minutes



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Moulmein at 55,55

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
1st Sentai/B with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 58 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 1000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

Intel is reporting that Hyuga was sunk, but I'm not putting much faith in that. I didn't see any magazine hit or anything, so I doubt she's down for good.

[Mundy]

One battleship not near Burma

ASW attack near Noumea at 116,160

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu
BB Mutsu
CA Kinugasa
CA Maya
CL Yubari
CS Chiyoda
DD Oite
DD Fumizuki

Allied Ships
SS S-23

SS S-23 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Shiratsuyu
S-23 diving deep ....
DD Oite fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Fumizuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

This may finish Hyuga

ASW attack near Moulmein at 55,56

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
DD Yukaze
DD Yakaze

Allied Ships
SS Truant

SS Truant launches 6 torpedoes at BB Hyuga
Truant bottoming out ....
DD Yukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yukaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yukaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

[Mundy]

22 July 1942

No, this isn't dead. Mainly lots of nothing going on for weeks on end, so there was nothing much to comment on.

Things have picked up a bit as of late.

Back on the 16th, the Japanese took another shot at Melbourne and got burned badly by it.

Ground combat at Melbourne (82,170)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 93659 troops, 963 guns, 1587 vehicles, Assault Value = 3308

Defending force 70776 troops, 1290 guns, 1691 vehicles, Assault Value = 2277

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 2367

Allied adjusted defense: 8181

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
25416 casualties reported
Squads: 511 destroyed, 1195 disabled
Non Combat: 88 destroyed, 270 disabled
Engineers: 13 destroyed, 292 disabled
Guns lost 176 (49 destroyed, 127 disabled)
Vehicles lost 236 (14 destroyed, 222 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1519 casualties reported
Squads: 21 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 75 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 45 (2 destroyed, 43 disabled)
Vehicles lost 29 (2 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Assaulting units:
24th Nav Gsn Unit
16th Infantry Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
Maizuru 1st SNLF
Kure 2nd SNLF
23rd Tank Regiment
2nd Recon Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
61st Naval Guard Unit
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
20th Engineer Regiment
38th Division
7th Tank Regiment
20th Recon Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
II./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Recon Regiment
1st Recon Regiment
146th Infantry Regiment
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Division
171st Cavalry Regiment
2nd Raiding Regiment
56th Recon Regiment
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
2nd Engineer Regiment
90th Infantry Regiment
2nd Indpt SNLF Coy
28th Cavalry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
26th Recon Regiment
I./4th Infantry Battalion
16th Engineer Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
144th Infantry Regiment
II/81st Naval Guard Unit
2nd Mortar Battalion
6th RF Gun Battalion
16th AA Regiment
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd RF Gun Battalion
12th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th RF Gun Battalion
16th Army
7th RF Gun Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
50th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
2nd NZ Brigade
6th Australian Division
44th British Division
27th Rhodesian Brigade
2/1 NAOU Det.
9th Australian Division
7th Armoured Brigade
7th SA Armoured Brigade
2nd British Para Brigade
Natal Mtd Rifles Regiment
1st Fgtr RAAF Wing
10th Patl RAAF Wing
NW Aus Aviation Rgt
7th RAN Base Force
A/B Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd RNZAF Base Force
13th Australian Hvy AA Regiment
2/2nd Heavy AA Regiment
C/D Battery Heavy Coastal Artillery Regiment
71st RAAF Wing
33rd Medium Regiment
3rd RAAF M/W Sqn
2nd Australian Army
2nd RAAF M/W Sqn
RAAF OTU Melbourne
NW Australia Base Force
7th RAAF Base Force
20th RAAF Base Force
N Force Detachment

Since then, nothing but incessant bombing there and in the Philippines. He finally took Clark, but keeps bombarding at Manila, since he doesn't have the strength to take it. He probably could walk into Bataan, as all I have is about 260 AV sitting there.

China's static, apart from bombing raids.

I've been continuing to build up in Burma. Nothing's moving in without my say so.

This turn, he decided to raid Suva. He's probably sick of my constant bombing raids to Noumea and Luganville. Lots of misses, but my B-26s managed to plant a couple hits on Taiyo. Surface ships bombard Suva, making a mess of my airpower there. He better avoid Pago Pago, as I'll most likely maul him good if he shows up. I have more than enough escorts for my bombers there. Plenty of dive bombers, too.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CL Abukuma
CL Yura

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
19th Ku T-1/A with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
Hokoku Maru-1 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
Kirishima-1 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Nachi-1 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Mikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Katori-1 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
Abukuma-1 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
Tama-1 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
19th Ku T-1/A with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
Mikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead
Nachi-1 with E13A1 Jake (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 5000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 131,161

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 53 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 57
E13A1 Jake x 32

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 6
B-17D Fortress x 7
B-17E Fortress x 22
B-26 Marauder x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 3 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 4 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Zuikaku
CV Soryu
CVE Taiyo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
1 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
7 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Genzan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 18 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (8 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Chikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (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 5000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Ashigara-2 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Okinoshima-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 131,161

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
E13A1 Jake x 28

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Genzan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 70 minutes
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (9 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Chikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 6140.
Raid is overhead
Okinoshima-1 with E13A1 Jake (8 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Ashigara-2 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 131,161

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
E13A1 Jake x 24

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
Chikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
Okinoshima-1 with E13A1 Jake (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Raid is overhead
Genzan Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Ashigara-2 with E13A1 Jake (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead

Naval bombardment of Suva at 132,160

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 76 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed on ground
B-26 Marauder: 41 damaged
B-26 Marauder: 6 destroyed on ground
B-17D Fortress: 19 damaged
Kittyhawk IA: 11 damaged
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed on ground
PBY-5 Catalina: 52 damaged
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground
F-4 Lightning: 1 damaged
S.19 Singapore III: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Kirishima
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
CA Nachi
CL Yubari
CL Oi
CL Kiso
CL Abukuma
CL Yura
CL Katori
DD Yanagi
DD Kisaragi
DD Sagiri
DD Ayanami
DD Wakaba
DD Hatsuharu
DD Asagumo

Allied ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (5 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Resources hits 1
Airbase hits 33
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 105
Port hits 18
Port supply hits 2

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Mutsu
BB Mutsu firing at Suva
BB Kirishima firing at Suva
CA Kinugasa firing at Suva
CA Aoba firing at Suva
CA Nachi firing at Suva
CL Yubari firing at Suva
CL Oi firing at Suva
CL Kiso firing at Suva
CL Abukuma firing at Suva
CL Yura firing at Suva
CL Katori firing at Suva
DD Yanagi firing at 14th NZ Brigade
DD Kisaragi firing at Suva
DD Sagiri firing at Suva
DD Ayanami firing at Suva
DD Wakaba firing at Suva
DD Hatsuharu firing at Suva
DD Asagumo firing at 14th NZ Brigade

[Mundy]

02 August 1942

The Worm Turns...

After suffering constant air attack and bombardments at Suva. I've been watching his carriers making their way east. Keep in mind, I've built up a rather giant air force at Pago Pago. I figured there was no way they'd come within range. Sure enough, he decided to sweep Pago Pago, with about even losses. He's probably regretting it now.

Morning Air attack on Pago Pago , at 148,161

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 11
P-36A Mohawk x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 34
P-400 Airacobra x 12
P-40E Warhawk x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-26A: 2 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
P-400 Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 11000 feet

CAP engaged:
12th FS with P-39D Airacobra (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 14000.
Raid is overhead
8th FG/35th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
8th FG/36th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
15th FG/46th FS with P-36A Mohawk (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
58th FG/67th FS with P-400 Airacobra (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Raid is overhead
58th FG/68th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
15th FG/72nd FS with P-26A (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

My turn...

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
E13A1 Jake x 14

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 18
P-40E Warhawk x 12
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Zuikaku
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 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

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 24 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Hokoku Maru-1 with E13A1 Jake (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 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Nachi-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Mikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
Okinoshima-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
E13A1 Jake x 1

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 3
P-26A x 8
P-36A Mohawk x 9
P-39D Airacobra x 9
SBD-1 Dauntless x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 2 damaged
P-26A: 3 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
SBD-1 Dauntless: 7 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 2
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
3 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Hokoku Maru-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 12
P-38E Lightning x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
3 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 61 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 4 damaged
A-24 Banshee: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu
CVL Shoho, on fire
CV Zuikaku

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Raid is overhead



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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 7
B-26 Marauder x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 4
P-400 Airacobra x 9
P-40E Warhawk x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 3
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Soryu

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 50 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 23

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, on fire
CS Chiyoda, Shell hits 4
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
E13A1 Jake x 9

Allied aircraft
P-26A x 3
P-36A Mohawk x 3
P-38E Lightning x 7
P-39D Airacobra x 17
P-400 Airacobra x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 22
SBD-3 Dauntless x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 1 destroyed
P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 19 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
Hokoku Maru-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Nachi-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Okinoshima-1 with E13A1 Jake (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Zuikaku


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 2
SBD-1 Dauntless x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-1 Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Soryu
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 107 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Zuikaku


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 6
P-36A Mohawk x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Banshee: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Junyo, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-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 10000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Junyo


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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Raid is overhead



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Oyashio, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 5080.
Raid is overhead



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Pago Pago at 148,164

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 18

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Fubuki, Shell hits 2
CS Chiyoda, Shell hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x P-39D Airacobra bombing from 100 feet

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

Out of this mess,Shoho, Zuikaku and Junyo have heavy damage and heavy fires. Soryu only has heavy fires, but with Japanese damage control, she's probably screwed as well. 4 carriers, most likely dead. I had all the bombers restricted to max Fighter range, but I've pulled the stops out and the mediums will harry them all the way out. I'm pleased that they got hits in as well, as long as they've been training. They've also a sub gauntlet to run on the way out.

I feel better about kicking off my Marshalls invasion once my Royal Navy ships finally reach Pearl.

[Lovejoy]

A pretty good thumping for LBA to put on the KB! Here's hoping your subs can get lucky!

[BBfanboy]

Great to see a well defended base give it to KB! Please let us know of any reports of aircraft "ground" losses on the Japanese side. Might give some confirmation on carrier losses.

BTW I was surprised there were no secondary explosions for all those hits on the carriers. Did your Banshees have to use 500 lb bombs because of range?

[Mundy]

I couldn't tell for sure, as Dave plays with combat animations off, but looking at combat reporter, this was only about 4 hexes from Pago Pago. Most likely the big bombs were carried.

I spent the last several months packing that base with planes. I only had 4 dive bomber squadrons and 2 medium squadrons there, but it was enough. More than enough escort to see them through. Savaii is also loaded with fighters.

You'd think with that many hits, you'd get some fuel or ammo explosions.

I'm happy the 25s and 26s did their part.

[BBfanboy]

D'OH! It's right there in the bottom part of your combat reports:


Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x A-24 Banshee releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

[Mundy]

I missed that too. [:)]

I kept searching for "ammo explosion".

[Bif1961]

He got far too close and he paid for it as eve P-26s were flying escort in your strikes. One of the good things about early war KB is to be bale to attack from beyond the range of single engine counter strike or fighter escort, making kis CAP more powerful though usually limited if he doesn't add Zeros.

[Macclan5]

So much for the all in Australia gambit.

Now a big part of the KB is (1) Gone or (2) So severely damaged they will take weeks to limp to port and be unavailable as the Allied side grow stronger and launches some counter punches.

Questions :

1) Do you think you could sneak supply to the Philippines ? With a serious chunk of the KB gone - there may be an opportunity.

2) Should be able to resupply Australia

3) Your own plans to counter punch in the Marshall and Burma ? He must be very thin in more than one place with all those troops and supply tied up in Southern Oz

[Mundy]

Hi Mac,

1) After the beating I got last time, I'm not willing to run to the Philippines again. I'm down to just Bataan at this point. I bought plenty of time last time, but I don't think it was worth losing my carriers over.

2) At this point, "Australia" is basically Melbourne -- that's it. He has that covered well with air, as I've taken hits getting my last ships out, not to mention the neighboring hex is well mined by this point. I could feed more troops and ammo in, but he's pretty strong down there. Coastwatchers indicate that the rest of KB is probably based in some of the hexes around here. Tulagi comes up frequently.

3) I could probably pull the trigger early, but I want plenty of battleships to go with the invaders and I should have a bunch more in a month or so. My last RN carrier arriving will need some repair work also (20 sys plus some flt damage), which will eat up some time. With them I can have four carriers covering the affair. USMC aircraft will be on the RN ships.

I have to keep in mind that I've only trashed about 1/3 of the original KB. He's still formidable. After the Marshalls, I don't intend to move forwards until I get a bunch of Essexes in hand. Not sure what would be next, but I'm favoring the Marianas. I tried taking Truk once and it wasn't a pleasant experience.

[Mundy]

03 August 1942

Follow up.

His carrier force has just vanished. They probably headed north, which would have taken them outside my PBY search arcs. They couldn't have gone far and my mediums should still get another shot, unless all the carriers died and the surface forces could move at speed.

My intel screen is showing ships other than what I've attacked. I got the "sinking ship" sound effect twice during the turn, so it's probable that two of them went down. Most likely, Shoho is one of them.

At Suva, my planes there finally decided to go into action and landed some hits.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 131,161

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 8

Allied aircraft
Vincent I x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vincent I: 3 damaged
Vincent I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Maya, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Yubari

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Vincent I bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Chikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Ashigara-2 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 131,161

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 8

Allied aircraft
Vincent I x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vincent I: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Oi
CL Katori, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Vincent I bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Chikuma-2 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
Ashigara-2 with E13A1 Jake (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

Overall, my air wing there is in pretty sad shape and needs time to recover. I think his surface force is backing off now. At Pago, I've upgraded the peashooters to P-400s, though I only had 10 in the pool for now.