BACK IN BUSINESS - PzB goes East again(st) Andy Mac

[witpqs]

He only has to shock attack while he's landing, not every turn. I see all of his units are partials, so you get one more turn of a shock attack for sure, but after that maybe not. I agree with Pax, it won't hold out as long as you say.

[janh]

ORIGINAL: PzB
What do you think about all this!?

Me thinks you guys want to torture us by stretching the tension to the limits. Ah, and by cutting the column with the plane types...

Indeed, despite fort lvl 6 Andy already caused a good portion of destroyed squads. At least no fort reduction yet. Not sure how long this will hold, but the guys may be right issuing a warning. KB is doing fine with neutering the ground support capability of the Allied CV, otherwise it would get worse quickly. What battlewagons did you see in the bombardment actions? Are the b'ments bad?
Btw, I was a bit scared to see that you kept high-level HQ formations on the islands, like 4th Fleet -- especially since Christmas didn't act as a major naval base for a while now. Did you evac portions of them already? Perhaps I tend to be to cautious with forward deploying HQ units I think...

And nice job with the B-29, and B-17s last turn -- never seen such a massacre with the fortresses, seems like the tables have turned on unescorted 4Es! If you can prolong the fight in the Line Islands, you are really winning time now -- and perhaps opportunities to hurt the B-29 pools? Does anyone know their influx rate by heart?

[PaxMondo]

B-29: I beleive is it is 20/mo each type, 40 total?

[PzB74]

I guess only time will show; the bottom line is that Line Islands are bound to fall for several reasons.
I'm still happy that Andy expends so much time and energy to recapture it. It gives us time I really need for numerous other preparations.

This turn we sent in midget subs, midgets and MTBs.
They were mostly turned back or destroyed but perhaps they disrupted landings some.

Allied ground attacks are overly efficient, one single attack by the CAG destroyed our largest Coastal Battery unit. With 6 forts you would believe it would be harder.
Bombardments were not too efficient, 2 Iowas pluss supporting vessels.

Our CD guns hardly caused any damage at all.

Merauke fell easily, we were out of supplies and all troops shot to pieces by B-25s.

Still, the biggest "surprise" was that the Judy bombers range has been reduced to 6(7) hexes now!!
I can't use the 8 hex strike range advantage with anything but the TBDs and 2 squadrons of pre-Judy 3s.
- Never seen this "fix" in the patch notes...ugly, ugly. Hopefully Andy hasn't noticed it.

This means I'm not "keen" on a carrier battle until we get the Judy 2 in 8/44 - that's 4 months plus many more months of production [8|]

Got plenty of Naval HQs, if one is destroyed it can be rebuilt in Home Islands - if I need it!

What game you taking over now Pax, some hot potato game? [:)]


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 14, 44

Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island at 174,141, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-553
MTB G-554
MTB G-555
MTB G-223, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-224, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-225, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-226, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Alabama
BB Iowa
DD Hall
DD Halligan
DD Lewis Hancock
DD Haraden
DD Harrison
DMS Forrest
DMS Hobson
DMS Ellyson

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 60% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 16,000 yards...
Range closes to 14,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
DD Haraden engages MTB G-224 at 12,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-554 at 12,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-553 at 12,000 yards
DMS Forrest engages MTB G-224 at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
DMS Hobson engages MTB G-224 at 11,000 yards
DMS Hobson engages MTB G-554 at 11,000 yards
DD Hall engages MTB G-224 at 11,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-223 at 11,000 yards
DMS Hobson engages MTB G-224 at 11,000 yards
DMS Forrest engages MTB G-224 at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
MTB G-224 sunk by DD Harrison at 7,000 yards
MTB G-223 sunk by DMS Forrest at 7,000 yards
DMS Forrest engages MTB G-554 at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-225 at 5,000 yards
DD Haraden engages MTB G-225 at 5,000 yards
DMS Hobson engages MTB G-226 at 5,000 yards
DMS Forrest engages MTB G-226 at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
MTB G-226 engages DMS Hobson at 4,000 yards
DD Harrison engages MTB G-225 at 4,000 yards
DD Haraden engages MTB G-554 at 4,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-553 at 4,000 yards
MTB G-226 sunk by DD Halligan at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
MTB G-225 sunk by BB Iowa at 7,000 yards
DMS Hobson engages MTB G-554 at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-555 at 11,000 yards
DD Harrison engages MTB G-555 at 11,000 yards
DD Hall engages MTB G-555 at 11,000 yards
DMS Ellyson engages MTB G-555 at 11,000 yards
DMS Forrest engages MTB G-555 at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Palmyra at 170,133, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-550
MTB G-551, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB G-552, Shell hits 1
MTB G-14
MTB G-17, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Boyd
DD Burns
DD Colahan
DD Gatling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Christmas Island at 174,141, Range 30,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
MTB G-553
MTB G-554
MTB G-555

Allied Ships
CA Australia
DE Mitchell
DE Sanders
DE Seid
DE Stadtfeld
DE Steele
DE Wyman
APD Belknap
APD Barr, on fire
AM Competent
AM Triumph
AM Velocity
AM Salute
AM Buoyant
AP William Ward Burrows
AK Crater
AK Arided
AK Draco
AK Albireo
AK Mintaka
AK Caelum
AK Gainsar
AK Grumium
AK Lesuth
AK Megrez
AK Venus
AK De Grasse
AK Autauga
LST-477
LCI-61
LCI-64
LCI-65
LCI-21
LCI-22
LCI-23
LCI-24
LCI-62
LCI-63
LCI-75
LCI-83, on fire
LCI-84
LCI-216
LCI-217
LCI-333
LCI-334
LCI-335
LCI-336
LCI-400
LCI-402
LCI-444
LCI-445
LCI-446
LCI-447
LCI-448
LCI-521
LCI-522
LCI-523

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 30,000 yards
Both TF attempt to withdraw!
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub Attacks

Submarine attack near Christmas Island at 174,141

Japanese Ships
SS I-160, hits 36, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CL Capetown
KV Dundas
DMS Howard
DMS Hamilton
AGC Rocky Mount
APA Storm King
APA La Salle
APA James O'Hara
LSI(L) Glenorchy
LSI(L) Glenartney
AKA Virgo
AKA Thuban
LSD Epping Forest
LSD Belle Grove
LSV Catskill
LST-481
LST-476
LST-474
LST-473
LST-470
LST-465
LST-463
LST-461
LST-460
LST-454
LST-448
LST-180
LST-179
LST-169
LST-88
LST-87
LST-82
LST-73
LST-72
LST-25
LST-20
LCI-70
DD Voyager
DD Chew
DD Clark
DD Selfridge

SS I-160 is sighted by escort
I-160 bottoming out ....
DD Voyager attacking submerged sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Christmas Island at 174,141

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-34, hits 7, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Capetown
KV Dundas
DMS Howard
DMS Hamilton
AGC Rocky Mount
APA Storm King
APA La Salle
APA Sumter
LSI(L) Glenorchy
LSI(L) Glenartney
LSI(L) Dunedin Star
AKA Virgo
AKA Thuban
LSD Lindenwald
LSD Epping Forest
LSD Belle Grove
LSV Catskill
LST-481
LST-476
LST-474
LST-473
LST-471
LST-466
LST-463
LST-461
LST-456
LST-449
LST-215
LST-179
LST-175
LST-124
LST-87
LST-83
LST-74
LST-72
LST-26
LST-21
LST-16
LCI-70
DD Voyager
DD Chew
DD Clark

SSX Ha-34 is sighted by escort
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Chew attacking submerged sub ....
DD Clark attacking submerged sub ....
Underwater explosion, debris and oil appear on surface!
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Christmas Island at 174,141

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-35, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Capetown
KV Dundas
DMS Howard
DMS Hamilton
AGC Rocky Mount
APA Storm King
APA La Salle
APA Sumter
LSI(L) Glenorchy
LSI(L) Glenartney
LSI(L) Dunedin Star
AKA Virgo
AKA Thuban
LSD Lindenwald
LSD Epping Forest
LSD Belle Grove
LSV Catskill
LST-481
LST-476
LST-474
LST-473
LST-470
LST-465
LST-463
LST-460
LST-454
LST-448
LST-180
LST-179
LST-169
LST-88
LST-87
LST-82
LST-73
LST-72
LST-25
LST-20
LCI-70
DD Voyager
DD Chew
DD Clark
DD Selfridge

SSX Ha-35 is sighted by escort
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Chew fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Clark attacking submerged sub ....
DD Selfridge attacking submerged sub ....
Underwater explosion, debris and oil appear on surface!
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Christmas Island at 174,141

Japanese Ships
SSX Ha-43, hits 2, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Capetown
KV Dundas
DMS Howard
DMS Hamilton
AGC Rocky Mount
APA Storm King
APA Herald of Morning
APA La Salle
LSI(L) Glenorchy
LSI(L) Glenartney
AKA Virgo
AKA Thuban
AKA Algol
LSD Epping Forest
LSD Belle Grove
LSD Ashland
LSV Catskill
LST-481
LST-476
LST-474
LST-473
LST-467
LST-463
LST-462
LST-457
LST-450
LST-216
LST-179
LST-176
LST-126
LST-87
LST-84
LST-75
LST-72
LST-28
LST-22
LST-17
LCI-70
LCI-66
DD Voyager
DD Chew

SSX Ha-43 is sighted by escort
DD Voyager fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Chew attacking submerged sub ....
Large oil slick appears over area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Night Naval bombardment of Christmas Island at 174,141

Allied Ships
BB Iowa
BB Alabama

Japanese ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Iowa firing at 54th Division
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Alabama
BB Alabama firing at 54th Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Pre-Invasion action off Christmas Island (174,141) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

504 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CL Capetown
DD Voyager
DD Chew
DD Selfridge
LCI-70
LCI-68
LCI-67
LCI-66
LST-17
LST-16
LST-20
LST-18
LST-19
DD Clark
LST-22
LST-21

Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CA New Orleans
CA New Orleans firing at 3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
CL Capetown firing at 3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CL Capetown
DD Voyager firing at 54th Division
DD Chew firing at 54th Division
DD Selfridge firing at 3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion firing at DD Selfridge
LCI-70 fired at enemy troops
LCI-68 fired at enemy troops
LCI-67 fired at enemy troops
LCI-66 fired at enemy troops
DD Voyager fired at enemy troops
DD Chew fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Christmas Island (174,141)
TF 118 troops unloading over beach at Christmas Island, 174,141

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

Motorized Support lost in surf during unload of 37th Infantry Div /4
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost overboard during unload of 6th Infantry Div /4
13 troops of a USA Rifle Squad lost in surf during unload of 6th Infantry Div /7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Christmas Island (174,141) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

454 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Australia
LCI-63
APD Barr
DE Wyman
SC PC-788
LCI-65
LCI-64
LCI-61
LCI-21
LCI-22
LCI-23
LCI-62
LCI-24

Japanese ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled

3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CA Australia
CA Australia firing at 3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
APD Barr firing to suppress enemy battery at 12,000 yards
SC PC-788 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Christmas Island (174,141)

TF 134 troops unloading over beach at Christmas Island, 174,141

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Motorized Support lost overboard during unload of 193rd Tank Bn /4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Christmas Island (174,141) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

251 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans
CL Capetown
DD Chew
DD Selfridge
DD Porter
LCI-70
LCI-68
LCI-67
LCI-66
LST-17
LST-18
LST-16
DD Clark
DD Voyager
LST-19

Allied ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 39 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion firing at CL Capetown
DD Porter firing at 54th Division
LCI-70 fired at enemy troops
LCI-68 fired at enemy troops
LCI-67 fired at enemy troops
LCI-66 fired at enemy troops
DD Chew fired at enemy troops
DD Selfridge fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Christmas Island (174,141) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

248 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Australia
APD Barr, Shell hits 2, on fire
LCI-62
LCI-83, Shell hits 1, on fire
LCI-22
SC PC-788
LCI-65
LCI-64
LCI-61
LCI-23
DE Wyman
LCI-21
LCI-24

Allied ground losses:
108 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CA Australia firing at 54th Division
APD Barr firing at 3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion firing at APD Barr
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCI-62 at 18,000 yards
12.7cm 3YT DP Gun Battery engaging LCI-83 at 18,000 yards
Massive explosion on LCI-83
12.7cm 3YT DP Gun Battery engaging LCI-22 at 18,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LCI-22 at 18,000 yards
SC PC-788 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 46 encounters mine field at 54,54

Allied Ships
DE Gilmore
xAK Joseph Simon, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

1 mine cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16
B6N1 Jill x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Zeal, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Darvel, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island , at 174,141
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 20

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Fanning Island , at 172,137
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
N1K1-J George x 21

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 12 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 30000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
752 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
204 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Christmas Island , at 174,141
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 13

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 1 damaged

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

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16
B6N1 Jill x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAKL Matthew Flinders, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Horn Island at 90,126
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,100 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 17
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
LCT-479, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
LCVP 592S, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-375, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Invasion Support action off Christmas Island (174,141)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

231 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LST-17
DD Chew
KV Dundas
LST-19, Shell hits 1, on fire
LST-16, Shell hits 1
LST-481
LST-468
LST-464
LST-462
LST-460
LST-451
LST-449
LST-215
LST-180
LST-179
LST-176
LST-175
LST-166
LST-78
LST-74
LST-71
LST-28
LST-25
LST-22
LST-21
LST-20
LCI-70
LCI-68
LCI-67
LCI-66
DD Clark
DD Voyager
LST-18

Allied ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Chew firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
KV Dundas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12.7cm 3YT DP Gun Battery engaging LST-19 at 10,000 yards
KV Dundas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LST-16 at 10,000 yards
KV Dundas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
LST-481 fired at enemy troops
LST-468 fired at enemy troops
LST-464 fired at enemy troops
LST-462 fired at enemy troops
LST-460 fired at enemy troops
LST-451 fired at enemy troops
LST-449 fired at enemy troops
LST-215 fired at enemy troops
LST-180 fired at enemy troops
LST-179 fired at enemy troops
LST-176 fired at enemy troops
LST-175 fired at enemy troops
LST-166 fired at enemy troops
LST-78 fired at enemy troops
LST-74 fired at enemy troops
LST-71 fired at enemy troops
LST-28 fired at enemy troops
LST-25 fired at enemy troops
LST-22 fired at enemy troops
LST-21 fired at enemy troops
LST-20 fired at enemy troops
LST-16 fired at enemy troops
LCI-70 fired at enemy troops
LCI-68 fired at enemy troops
LCI-67 fired at enemy troops
LCI-66 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Christmas Island (174,141)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

45 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC PC-788
LST-477
LCI-536
LCI-521
LCI-402
LCI-83
LCI-65
LCI-64
LCI-61
LCI-22
LCI-23
LCI-62
LCI-21
LCI-24
LCI-63

SC PC-788 fired at enemy troops
LST-477 fired at enemy troops
LCI-536 fired at enemy troops
LCI-521 fired at enemy troops
LCI-402 fired at enemy troops
LCI-83 fired at enemy troops
LCI-65 fired at enemy troops
LCI-64 fired at enemy troops
LCI-61 fired at enemy troops
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Christmas Island (174,141)
Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20650 troops, 299 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 883
Defending force 38795 troops, 1402 guns, 760 vehicles, Assault Value = 2085

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

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
Sasebo 6th SNLF
54th Division
41st Infantry Regiment
18th Tank Regiment
18th Naval Guard Unit
12th Engineer Regiment
144th Infantry RCT /1
53rd Construction Battalion
4th Air Division
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
19th Army
56th JNAF AF Unit
5th JAAF AF Bn
6th Naval Construction Battalion
11th RF Gun Battalion
49th JNAF AF Unit
15th JNAF AF Unit
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Fleet
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
80th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
1st Marine Div /14
3rd Marine Div /14
22nd Marine Rgt /19
6th Infantry Div /14
37th Infantry Div /15
193rd Tank Bn /19
93rd Infantry Div /14
43rd Infantry Div /1
627th TD Bn /19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Merauke (89,124)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12011 troops, 197 guns, 173 vehicles, Assault Value = 396
Defending force 2860 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 78

Allied adjusted assault: 306
Japanese adjusted defense: 19

Allied assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Merauke !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1328 casualties reported
Squads: 60 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (6 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
53rd (Sep) Infantry Regiment
4th Australian Division
10 RAAF Base Force
10th RAAF M/W Sqn

Defending units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
2nd Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
2nd Raiding Rgt /1
4th South Seas Gsn
13th JAAF AF Coy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Christmas Island (174,141)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 38742 troops, 1401 guns, 760 vehicles, Assault Value = 2076
Defending force 32328 troops, 389 guns, 240 vehicles, Assault Value = 878
Allied adjusted assault: 199

Japanese adjusted defense: 574
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 6)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
2526 casualties reported
Squads: 75 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 83 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 52 disabled
Guns lost 61 (25 destroyed, 36 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (4 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2153 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 161 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Guns lost 126 (7 destroyed, 119 disabled)
Vehicles lost 102 (4 destroyed, 98 disabled)

Assaulting units:
193rd Tank Bn /19
6th Infantry Div /14
3rd Marine Div /14
93rd Infantry Div /14
1st Marine Div /14
37th Infantry Div /15
22nd Marine Rgt /19
43rd Infantry Div /1
627th TD Bn /19

Defending units:
Sasebo 6th SNLF
54th Division
18th Tank Regiment
18th Naval Guard Unit
41st Infantry Regiment
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
12th Engineer Regiment
144th Infantry RCT /1
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
53rd Construction Battalion
4th Air Division
56th JNAF AF Unit
6th Naval Construction Battalion
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
19th Army
5th JAAF AF Bn
49th JNAF AF Unit
15th JNAF AF Unit
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th RF Gun Battalion
4th Fleet
80th JAAF AF Bn
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4th South Seas Gsn Wiped Out at Merauke by attrition!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13th JAAF AF Coy Wiped Out at Merauke by attrition!!!
Japanese Unit(s) surrounded at Merauk
Japanese Unit(s) Wiped Out at Merauke by attrition!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not so nice change

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: PzB

I guess only time will show; the bottom line is that Line Islands are bound to fall for several reasons.
I'm still happy that Andy expends so much time and energy to recapture it. It gives us time I really need for numerous other preparations.

Precisely. Plus you will be able to see where his avenue of advance will be.

I'm still very surprised to see how effective his attack was. I really thought you'd be able to hold out there for 2 - 3 weeks, that he would have to unload at least 3 waves of assault troops to be able to crack Christmas islands. Doing it with what appears to be only one wave ... depressing really. [:(]

[PzB74]

We have lots of smaller units, base forces, regiments and partial units that have been moved away from Palmyra in order not to overcrowd the place.
These smaller units take a lot of heat and dies first. Our division is disrupted but otherwise unhurt.

It's possible that Andy will need a second wave; question is whether he will dare to switch his carriers to ground attack - he needs this me thinks but we'll see.
6-7 divisions of troops, thats a D-Day landing...on an atoll!

I'm also keen on keeping KB alive into late 45, get all SAM fighters and all possible carriers and continue to pose a solid threat to the Allied trust throughout the war.
This way the game will be more enjoyable for me in the time of nukes and uber ground attacks! [:'(]

[rader]

ORIGINAL: PzB

This way the game will be more enjoyable for me in the time of nukes and uber ground attacks! [:'(]

I think the term is'borked' ground attacks [:D]

Love your AAR... lots of action! Banzai!!

[inqistor]

Two shock attacks below 1:1, and lack of fort reduction, at Christmas. It means, that Allied units are over 50 Disruption now, and their efficiency is like 30%. You have some breath time, and they still not landed fully yet.

ORIGINAL: PzB

Morning Air attack on Palmyra , at 170,133
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 59 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 14

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 11000 feet
Airfield Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb -> Full load, standard range

They could operate from Johnston Island. If you have heavy ships nearby, bombardment can bag some B-29s. Also, KB could be used to catch some BBs on rearming mission, after bombardments. Kinda risky, but if Allied CVs will be protecting Christmas invasion from SE...

Still, the biggest "surprise" was that the Judy bombers range has been reduced to 6(7) hexes now!!
I can't use the 8 hex strike range advantage with anything but the TBDs and 2 squadrons of pre-Judy 3s.
- Never seen this "fix" in the patch notes...ugly, ugly. Hopefully Andy hasn't noticed it.

So far the only DB with 8 hex range is first verion of VAL? And it carries like 2x30kg bombs on that range? Actually Brady have written, when AE was released, that there is something wrong with JUDYs range. This page shows interesting data.


When Allied CVs striked, sorties number was in great disproportion, like 50%. You are seriously falling behind in number of planes.
Why do we still see old models in combat? In last picture there are OSCARs Ic (seriously, unarmored OSCAR?), and TONY Ia, which have horrible armamen. And I still see lots of TOJO IIa.

Also, I see that enemy daily loses by type, do not sum up to number shown as "today". So there are separate FOW for daily type loss, total campaign, and sum of daily [X(]

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: inqistor

ORIGINAL: PzB
Still, the biggest "surprise" was that the Judy bombers range has been reduced to 6(7) hexes now!!
I can't use the 8 hex strike range advantage with anything but the TBDs and 2 squadrons of pre-Judy 3s.
- Never seen this "fix" in the patch notes...ugly, ugly. Hopefully Andy hasn't noticed it.

So far the only DB with 8 hex range is first verion of VAL? And it carries like 2x30kg bombs on that range? Actually Brady have written, when AE was released, that there is something wrong with JUDYs range. This page shows interesting data.

There is a lot of conflicting data circulating about the Judy. I'm not expert on IJ aircraft, but everything I have read leads me to beleive the only thing for sure is that they had more range than the Val and a higher cruising speed. I think everything else is up for grabs. IF for no other reason, pretty hard to see how the IJN would have spent the effort otherwise, and they DID replace the Val with it. It WAS a better plane.

Having said that, it was a great mystery to me about the last change in the Judy. Removing the DT's I was ok with. I don't have hard evidence either way. But, then not setting the base Judy range to at least 8/9 if not 8/10 or higher? In my mod, I've got it conservatively set to 8/10. I think there is plenty of justification to set it to 9/12. Inquisitor's source being one of them ... for an internet source, those guys are fairly good in back checking their data.

[PzB74]

Thx Rader, first saw your post about borked ground attacks yesterday - and yes, needs some tuning.
Hit ratio for regular bombing attacks and air strikes on dug in troops with fortifications is way off....

B-29s operate from Pearl, they can hit Palmyra from there within normal range but has to use extended range to hit Christmas Island.
If they had operated from Johnston all raid would be within normal range!

I have more ac than ever before but they're not active each turn.
Upgrading the front line units has priority, most training units have older type of planes. Some bases like Rabaul hasn't received top priority and operates
Tojo IIa and older Tony models still. The Oscar Ic is filling in as escorts, escort planes are only usable as cannon fodder anyway so no reason to waste good airfames and pilots for such missions.

Yep, I understand the it's the total's that's accurate and the combar loss report is exposed to FOW!?

I've thought about the Judy range issue for a while and sent an email to Andy.
To be honest I'm now in a limbo as the KB has lost much of its potency. I simply can't risk engaging the enemy since both 7 and 8 hex range now will find us at a severe disadvantage.
- I asked Andy what he would do if his SBDs suddenly had a 6(7) hex range.

I also agree with comments on drop tanks and regular range. All sources I've visited shows that Judy has more range than Val. An 8(10) normal range should be the defacto range.
Someone has FUBAR'ed big time here, almost a game breaker to downgrade to a 6(7) hex model at a critical time in the game. So I will probably halt this game for some days to think about the consequences.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Someone has FUBAR'ed big time here, almost a game breaker to downgrade to a 6(7) hex model at a critical time in the game. So I will probably halt this game for some days to think about the consequences.

I think, and this is only my opinion on what happened:

Originally, due to all the conflicting info and sources on the Judy, they gave it mediocre range without DT's and then gave it an average of several sources range with DT's. Using DT's increases the mission supply expenditure, but this always seemed an appropriate abstraction to me to help account for some of the issues the IJ had related to operating the Judy.

Then, players discovered sources that stated the Judy had no DT's, or at least did not operate with them from CV's, AND that the Judy range gave the IJ a great advantage that historically was never seen. (Of course this was largely due to Midway, the plane existed, but there was no longer a KB to use it. It had nothing to with the performance of the Judy.) As you may recall, the Judy with DT's had incredible range. So, they removed the DT's from the Judy. As I have stated, all well and good. I don't have any specific knowledge to contradict.

BUT, when they removed the DT's, they overlooked re-examining the non DT range forgetting that the non-DT and DT ranges were compromises. Oops. The Judy did have better range than the Val, at least every source I can find states so, and at least one source on the development states that range was a KEY goal of the Judy along with cruising speed. The Val was paired with the Claude. For the Zeke, it was too slow.

Anyway, just my outside opinion of how this happened. I have no inside info at all and this is my personal conjecture. [8D] Hopefully Andy can contact the Air Team Expert (who was the IJ air expert?) and confirm what should or should not be. If there is an oversight, I think we can get this in the final patch, as there are several other DB items (IJ Radar, a few base definitions, etc.) that have been found as well.

Crossing fingers on this one... [;)]

[PzB74]

Andy says that the change of Judy range is a thoroughly thought through decision.
To formulate a more correct answer that doesn't include the term gross ignoramuses I will simply state that this is such a bad decision and it so offsets all
current plans and operational flexibility for KB that I'm not sure I'm interested in continuing.

[witpqs]

For those of us who aren't closely in touch with this issue, could you give an overview? I saw what you wrote yesterday but I know I'm missing the prior parts of the story.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Andy says that the change of Judy range is a thoroughly thought through decision.

Oh dear. I am so surprised. Stunned really. Obviously, they have access to data that I don't. Wow.

Well, that means skipping Judy completely for Grace. A very big deal to consider when planning out your plane builds.

Val will be in service until mid '44 at least ... wow. I have to consider more, but I think I would be re-sizing my groups. Small groups of Val for scouting only. Then re-sizing the Kate group large and splitting that into 3 (where you can). THe ones you can't split, then you'll need to add another Kate group. This will give you glide bombing and torpedo bombing with your Kates. Not as good as DB, but what are your other options?

Wow. Although, maybe the new beta bomber change will let your change the Val groups into Kates for PP's? If so, that would be better. KAtes would be able to search greater distance ... have to test if this is possible.

Lotta work to do here ... Really a lot of work.

For an ongoing game like this ... all I can say is ouch. [:(]

[PzB74]

Basically the Judy has always had an enormous range because they were equipped with drop tanks.
I don't think they used drop tanks while flying of carriers...so removing the drop tanks didn't matter too much since the max range for a carrier ac is 7-8 hexes anyway.
- So when the drop tanks dissappeared I didn't think much of it before I saw that normal range was set to 6 hexes with 7 as extended.

This is 1 hex less than the Val bomber.
I've checked many sources and the vast majority gives the Judy a longer normal range than the Val.
- The Japs did everything to provide their strike ac with the longers possible range so this makes perfect sense.

IF range had been reduced to less than that of the Val the Judy would have to use drop tanks.
Nerfing range AND removing drop tanks is a decision only AFBs could take from my point of view.
It completely disrupts game in progress balance like this one as mentioned by Pax.

Any Jap player will have to replan how to equip KB and keep it as a competitive force.
How on earth could I dare to risk a strike on Allied fleets near Line Islands when 2/3 of my strike force only can deliver an efficient attack from 6 hexes?
- I'd rather see they removed the 8 vs 7 hex strike advantage for Japan instead of nerfing the Judy.

This is of course not Andy's fault, but my annoyance with this issue is beyond words.

[witpqs]

Thanks, that's a clear summary. I don't have any of my own knowledge about that one, so I really can't add anything to the discussion.

Sorry for the nasty surprise! [:(]

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Basically the Judy has always had an enormous range because they were equipped with drop tanks.
I don't think they used drop tanks while flying of carriers...so removing the drop tanks didn't matter too much since the max range for a carrier ac is 7-8 hexes anyway.
- So when the drop tanks dissappeared I didn't think much of it before I saw that normal range was set to 6 hexes with 7 as extended.

This is 1 hex less than the Val bomber.
I've checked many sources and the vast majority gives the Judy a longer normal range than the Val.
- The Japs did everything to provide their strike ac with the longers possible range so this makes perfect sense.

IF range had been reduced to less than that of the Val the Judy would have to use drop tanks.
Nerfing range AND removing drop tanks is a decision only AFBs could take from my point of view.
It completely disrupts game in progress balance like this one as mentioned by Pax.

Any Jap player will have to replan how to equip KB and keep it as a competitive force.
How on earth could I dare to risk a strike on Allied fleets near Line Islands when 2/3 of my strike force only can deliver an efficient attack from 6 hexes?
- I'd rather see they removed the 8 vs 7 hex strike advantage for Japan instead of nerfing the Judy.

This is of course not Andy's fault, but my annoyance with this issue is beyond words.

PzB,

I am only an occasional visitor to your AAR, but appreciate your leadership in all things Japanese. Fight on, man-BANZAI!

Since I am only an occasional visitor, can you summarize what borked your Judy production? Did you and Andy just upgrade to a beta patch?

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Here's a teaser for the next turn!
Only watched combat replay and had a look so far.

Andy lands at Christmas Island; the largest atoll in the game!
6 full divisions + support goes ashore after bombardments.

We send in midgets, subs and PT boats to disrupt landings.
Seems like not all enemy troops got ashore this turn.

The result was a negative 1-2 odds with 6 forts on the island.
Losses were roughly equal. Will require a prolonged battle from Andy to secure this island chain.
- Wrecking 6 or more enemy divisions would be a welcome treat [:)]

KB is lurking somewhere to the west - Allied carriers didn't perform ground attacks today so KB is serving
a purpose just by "hanging around". We even managed to shoot down 3 Superforts as fighters returned to one of the Line Islands.

What do you think about all this!?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 14, 44

Ground combat at Christmas Island (174,141)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 38742 troops, 1401 guns, 760 vehicles, Assault Value = 2076
Defending force 32328 troops, 389 guns, 240 vehicles, Assault Value = 878

Allied adjusted assault: 199
Japanese adjusted defense: 574

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 6)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
2526 casualties reported
Squads: 75 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 83 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 52 disabled
Guns lost 61 (25 destroyed, 36 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (4 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2153 casualties reported
Squads: 26 destroyed, 161 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Guns lost 126 (7 destroyed, 119 disabled)
Vehicles lost 102 (4 destroyed, 98 disabled)

Assaulting units:
193rd Tank Bn /19
6th Infantry Div /14
3rd Marine Div /14
93rd Infantry Div /14
1st Marine Div /14
37th Infantry Div /15
22nd Marine Rgt /19
43rd Infantry Div /1
627th TD Bn /19

Defending units:
Sasebo 6th SNLF
54th Division
18th Tank Regiment
18th Naval Guard Unit
41st Infantry Regiment
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
12th Engineer Regiment
144th Infantry RCT /1
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
53rd Construction Battalion
4th Air Division
56th JNAF AF Unit
6th Naval Construction Battalion
26th Air Defense AA Regiment
19th Army
5th JAAF AF Bn
49th JNAF AF Unit
15th JNAF AF Unit
23rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th RF Gun Battalion
4th Fleet
80th JAAF AF Bn
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Invasion of Christmas Island

Good news is that we're not going to run out of supplies...we've learned something!
Troop disruption is relatively high, but enemy must be worse off and they have to shock attack each turn.

Without yet reading Andy,s AAR it suggests to me that he, was not fully prepped, and did not plot his invasion so as to get all his troops ashore in one day. Both are critical when you hit an atoll. Six division with shock attack if done correctly should have resulted in a much larger AV value.

[kfsgo]

ORIGINAL: PzB

- So when the drop tanks dissappeared I didn't think much of it before I saw that normal range was set to 6 hexes with 7 as extended.

This is 1 hex less than the Val bomber.

Er - it's the same as the D3A1 (7, 6), surely? And 1 hex greater than the D3A2 (6, 5). Given that the payload is twice the D3A's - you can take a 500kg bomb to the same range the Val takes a 250kg bomb, or a 250kg bomb the same range as the Val takes 2x60kg bombs. So, the effective range is really one hex longer than the Val's, insofar as you're not going to do much with 60s, and the higher speed should be of some use. Don't understand why people are going on about sticking with the D3A, given that.

I've checked many sources and the vast majority gives the Judy a longer normal range than the Val.
- The Japs did everything to provide their strike ac with the longers possible range so this makes perfect sense.

The internal fuel capacity of both aircraft was pretty similar, wasn't it? They seem to weigh about the same, at any rate. I imagine the D4Y might be a better 'cruiser', as a rather more streamlined bit of kit, but the extra however many hundred horsepower required to get it up to full speed will have an impact once any opposition shows up; and, of course, the aircraft does have to get back home after burning all that fuel...

IF range had been reduced to less than that of the Val the Judy would have to use drop tanks.
Nerfing range AND removing drop tanks is a decision only AFBs could take from my point of view.
It completely disrupts game in progress balance like this one as mentioned by Pax.

I imagine that the issue isn't particularly the ability to carry drop tanks from a carrier (the D4Yx-C - the recon version - retains them) but rather the ability to lift drop tanks plus a full bombload off a carrier. Did any of the Japanese carriers fit catapults? I have no idea; I'd suspect that as a reason if they don't.

[PzB74]

Easy to loose overview, so here's one below! [:)]

It's possible that our sub and MTB attacks disrupted offloading of Allied troops.
Alternatively it took a bit more time to unload 6 divs than expected - some ships may have refuelled etc..
Hard to say!

Judy D4Y1 and D4Y2 - both now available - have max range 6(7) hexes with 500kg / 250kg bombs.
- So yes you're correct kfsgo, The Val also had a range of 6(7) hexes and not 7(8).

The Judy D4Y3 has max range 7(8) hexes while the last version D4Y4 is back to 6(8)
hexes but can carry a 800kg bomb.

Concerning drop tanks; this would depend on whether 2 wing tanks were used together with a 250 kg bomb.
A centerline tank used in the C version would boost range but only allow 60kg bombs to be carried.

Exchanging the 500kg bomb for drop tanks and a 250kg bomb wouldn't be an issue, but probably not historical correct?

The Judy's strike range at the Marianas was long enough to enable them to strike at long range, does anyone know the range for these strikes?

The Judy D4Y3 is available from 8/44, that's another 4 months in our game.
It would also take 2-3 months to replace existing model Y1s.
The Grace is such a capable ac that if I had to choose between these evils I
would probably keep Val's and greatly resarch the Grace to introduce it from 6/44 instead of 8/44.

Starting from scratch it would probably be possible to overcome these "issues" in a civilized way.
In this particular game it is not so since I'm stuck with a full load of D4Y1's and 2s.