Getting Bottlenecked: SierraJuliet (J) vs Mundy (A)

[Mundy]

Yeah, I thought I remembered something like that. It does make a difference.

[Mundy]

30 January 1943

Subs have been doing better with their modest improvement to the dud rate.

Sub attack near Donggala at 69,96

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yoshinogawa Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD RTN Phra Ruang
xAK Shoun Maru
xAK Kinrei Maru
xAK Unkai Maru #3
xAK Josho Maru
xAK Chile Maru
xAKL Yulin Maru
xAKL Unkai Maru #6
DD Yudachi

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

SS KXIV launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Yoshinogawa Maru
KXIV diving deep ....
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yudachi fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Sub attack near Suttsu at 118,52

Japanese Ships
xAK Yosida Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Nichiran Maru
xAK Kisaragi Maru
xAK Florida Maru
PB Yoshida Maru

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yosida Maru #1
Wahoo diving deep ....
PB Yoshida Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yoshida Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yoshida Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yoshida Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Yoshida Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Submarine attack near Truk at 112,108

Japanese Ships
AV Kamoi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Seal~

AV Kamoi is sighted by SS Seal~
SS Seal~ launches 4 torpedoes

My Washington supported invasion force is now 22 hexes E of Marcus, so that struggle looks to be finished. Wasp and Hornet are at Pearl, healing up. The former will be in drydock a month, the latter two months. I've withdrawn the VS squadrons from both. Numbers on the VB squadrons will go up in March, one month away. Saratoga and Enterprise will reach Pearl next turn. I've replaced Hornet's Devastators with Avengers and will do the same with Saratoga. I'm embarrassed to have missed this.

At Calcutta, a big convoy is forming to ship a bunch of troops and supplies to Akyab. I plan on packing that base with troops to eventually move back into Burma. I'll also need to send more base forces to Ceylon -- especially base forces with shipping support. despite the port size, it's taking forever to unload supplies there.

At Kwajalein, I've gotten into the habit for sending packs of 4-5 subs out to blanket a particular area, and it's already paying off. I was also pleased hitting that seaplane tender at Truk today, too. Keeping an eye on that base, I feel it isn't quite the central spot for Combined Fleet anymore. I'm wondering if he's expecting me to take it at some point. I can only encourage this line of thought.

I've sent out three supply forces, consisting of a DD and 2-3 transports to ship stuff to Marcus. I figure those will attract less attention than a massive supply convoy. They'll also start removing the freight part of the divisions sitting there. Some xAPs can go out later to get the people. I'll do this in little bits. I'm trying to also get the planes there healed up, so I can withdraw them.

[Anachro]

Hopefully, the AV Kamoi sinks. I take pleasure in destroying such Japanese vessels.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Anachro

Hopefully, the AV Kamoi sinks. I take pleasure in destroying such Japanese vessels.

+1 It takes Japan about 9 months to convert a large xAK into an AV.

[Mundy]

02 February 1943

Sub work on my end picking up.

Sub attack near Fukue-jima at 99,59

Japanese Ships
xAK Momoyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PB Shinko Maru #1
xAK Yae Maru
xAK Eizan Maru
xAK Heiei Maru
xAK Celebes Maru
DD Mikazuki
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Susuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon~

SS Tarpon~ launches 4 torpedoes at xAK Momoyama Maru
Tarpon~ diving deep ....
DD Mikazuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Shiratsuyu fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Susuzuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Mikazuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Shiratsuyu fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Susuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Susuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Susuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Susuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Susuzuki fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Sub attack near Saishu To at 97,56

Japanese Ships
xAK Yoneyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAKL Bunzan Maru
xAKL Tokuwa Maru
PB Shosei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon~, hits 4

SS Seadragon~ launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yoneyama Maru
Seadragon~ bottoming out ....
PB Shosei Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Shosei Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shosei Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shosei Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shosei Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Submarine attack near Saishu To at 98,56

Japanese Ships
xAK Yoneyama Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon~

xAK Yoneyama Maru is sighted by SS Tarpon~
SS Tarpon~ attacking on the surface

One of his ran into my returning forces and got sunk. Drove her to the surface and finished her.

Submarine attack near Johnston Island at 165,107

Japanese Ships
SS I-10^, hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Craven
CA Vincennes
CLAA San Diego
DD Selfridge

SS I-10^ launches 2 torpedoes at DD Craven
I-10^ diving deep ....
DD Craven fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Craven fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Craven attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-10^ forced to surface!
CA Vincennes firing on surfaced sub ....
CLAA San Diego firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Selfridge firing on surfaced sub ....
CA Vincennes firing on surfaced sub ....
CLAA San Diego firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Selfridge firing on surfaced sub ....
CA Vincennes firing on surfaced sub ....
CLAA San Diego firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Selfridge firing on surfaced sub ....
CA Vincennes firing on surfaced sub ....
CLAA San Diego firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

I wish I could get more of the tankers out there. Those subs tend to attack the escorts.

I don't think I mentioned it, but I evacuated my last base force at Coal Harbor overland to Victoria. For some reason, Coal Harbor is a massive supply sink, draining everything I put into it. Not that this will be a major theatre of war anyway...

He landed troops at Cebu and is attacking. These aren't pushovers. It would be nice if they're still there when I eventually invade.

Ground combat at Cebu (80,86)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3380 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 206

Defending force 5259 troops, 70 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 169

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

Assaulting units:
26IMB 16th GrsnUnit
32SBF 32nd Naval Guard Unit
2nd Sasebo Coy SNLF

Defending units:
81st PA Infantry Division
1st Port Maint Engineer Battalion
8th Avn Sup
Civilians

The previous day.

Ground combat at Cebu (80,86)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5218 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 244

Defending force 5308 troops, 70 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 175

Japanese adjusted assault: 81

Allied adjusted defense: 201

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
453 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
26IMB 16th GrsnUnit
32SBF 32nd Naval Guard Unit
2nd Sasebo Coy SNLF

Defending units:
81st PA Infantry Division
1st Port Maint Engineer Battalion
8th Avn Sup
Civilians

[BBfanboy]

I would suspect that the Coal Harbour supply is being drawn to Victoria. And if Victoria is not set to stockpile, the supply might head across the strait to that base that guards the strait and on to Seattle. The good thing is that if you keep Victoria supplied instead of shipping to Coal Harbour, supply will eventually flow to the latter (if there are troops there).

[Mundy]

03 February 1943

Fairly quiet. One of my returning xAKs ate a sub torpedo but damage was something like 16-25-35, so she'll get back to port okay.

Over the last few weeks, airstrikes by the IJA have increased a bit. Mostly at Changsha and Sian. I set a trap at Sian, as I've had air groups growing at Chungking.

Afternoon Air attack on Sian , at 83,41

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 20
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Hawk 75M x 3
P-66 Vanguard x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ia Oscar: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-66 Vanguard: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 15000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
3rd FG/8th FS CAF with Hawk 75M (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd FG/28th FS CAF with P-66 Vanguard (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
5th FG/29th FS CAF with P-66 Vanguard (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers

Better fighters than the Russian Rats make a difference.

A USA construction force arrived at Aden and they're packing up for Colombo.

HMS Valiant is sitting in Los Angeles, due to withdraw in four days. I'm unable to withdraw her. I'm guessing it's due to her damage level, but I'm not fully sure. She's roughly at 50 for flt.

[Mundy]

15 February 1943

After some quiet time.

My small cargo groups have been reaching Marcus -- about the same time his forces arrive. He's had a small-ish carrier group going around, and some of my freighters got hit. Not many. Intel shows this group as being rather fighter heavy with not so much bombers carried. I've dispatched Saratoga and Enterprise to deal with them as I think they're strong enough for the job. They're still about 3 days out. A battleship force bombarded Marcus this turn.

Night Naval bombardment of Marcus Island at 123,85

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 11 damaged
PB4Y-1P Liberator: 2 destroyed on ground
F4F-4 Wildcat: 27 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed on ground
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 damaged
PBY-5A Catalina: 1 damaged
PBY-5A Catalina: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Allied ground losses:
231 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 18 (4 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 11
Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3

BB Hyuga firing at Marcus Island
BB Ise firing at Marcus Island
BB Yamashiro firing at Marcus Island
BB Fuso firing at Marcus Island

The carriers have now vanished from my searches, and two surface groups are headed towards Eniwetok, where I've been parking the Marcus groups. They're now headed to Roi-Namur. I have lots of fighters and bombers on Eni, so he may get hit if he still comes closer. We'll see...

Bunches of IJA ground forces have entered Sian, but he took heavy losses trying to dislodge me. I won't be leaving anytime soon and another China stalemate.

[Mundy]

16 February 1943

A Wildcat squadron I had at Port Moresby has upgraded to Corsairs. I had 28 in the pool. In a month and a half, F6Fs hit the production line at 150 per month.

I've steered my carriers towards Kwajalein. I've re-spotted his carrier group and now also see another bigger group with them. Too much for me to take on at this point. He isn't straying close enough to Eniwetok for them to strike out yet. I'll keep my carriers in the general area, just in case he leaves something weak behind. He caught some straggling ships I had near Marcus that I missed moving away before. Several damaged, but only one sunk.

A supply convoy visited Cape Town, so I have fuel there again to send ships out. That was starting to curb my supply shipments to India. I may have to entertain the idea of sending lots of tankers to East US or the UK to keep the fuel up there.

Steve launched a big reckless attack at Sian and got punished. I'm entertaining the idea of counterattacking, but I'll probably have no better luck.

Ground combat at Sian (83,41)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11695 troops, 317 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 1697

Defending force 44282 troops, 273 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1296

Japanese adjusted assault: 8

Allied adjusted defense: 1897

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 237 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3685 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 326 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 30 disabled
Guns lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
32nd Division
36th Division
40th Division
63rd Division
26th Division
2TD 10th Tank Regiment
10th Mortar Battalion
5th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Army
1st Mortar Battalion
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment

Defending units:
33rd Chinese Army Corps
47th Chinese Army- Corps
61st Chinese Army Corps
19th Chinese Army* Corps
34th Chinese Army Corps
17th Chinese Army- Corps
3rd Chinese Army- Corps
80th Chinese Army-~ Corps
7th Group Army
6th Group Army
2nd War Area
1st War Area
15th Chinese Base Force

[BBfanboy]

He did not lose all that much AV at Sian and he has tanks + lots of artillery, so attacking him would likely be disastrous. Keep building forts!

[Mundy]

Yeah, after today's bombardment, he's still 1400-1200, AV wise. Chinese don't tend to attack well. I'm going to purge the leadership here, as I've found that makes a huge difference in these battles.

17 February 1943

His carriers and other ships in the Marcus area have all disappeared, despite my overlapping naval searches. I'm guessing they're just north of Marcus. My beat up ships NE of Marcus are all spotted, so he's probably in the general area. Once I feel he's cleared the area, I'll get supplies run back over there. Marcus got bombarded again today, but this was mostly cruisers this time. I probably overreached a bit taking this island, but it will be northern cover for the Marianas.

The 2nd USMC Division is loading up from Lunga, bound for Pearl. Another convoy is enroute to pick up the 1st Division. They're tasked with Mauban on Luzon, along with a bunch of other units. I would like to land there fairly quickly after the Marianas, but that will depend on available supply shipping. Pity I couldn't use the 5th Armored Division in the states, but they're withdrawing in 35 days.

Bunches of troops are loading up in San Fran for Pearl. I'm including those Advanced Base Forces, as they have a very high Naval Support value which could be helpful in forward bases.

Chinese bombers are tasked to hit the port at Hong Kong next turn. Hopefully catch some shipping.

Spitfires in Brisbane have quietly built up to strength, so they're in Townsville now. Probably get them to Port Moresby, eventually. I'll have to deal with his heavy fighter strength in Milne eventually. Those and my Corsairs should help.

[Mundy]

21 February 1943

Moving along...

Subs nail a freighter a few hexes south of Tokyo. Hopefully they keep attacking them instead of the escorts.

Sub attack near Aogashima at 112,64

Japanese Ships
xAK Koryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
xAK Yamashimo Maru
xAK Kozui Maru
xAK Keisyo Maru
xAK Nissyu Maru
xAK Yokohama Maru
xAK Tatumiya Maru
xAK Kamogawa Maru
SC Ch-33
SC Ch-27

Allied Ships
SS Gato

SS Gato launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Koryu Maru
Gato diving deep ....
SC Ch-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch-27 fails to find sub and abandons search
SC Ch-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch-33 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Yamato, Mutsu and Nagato paid Marcus a visit. His two carrier groups are lurking just east of the island, so getting supply in is a no-go for now.

Victorious arrived in Panama last turn, along with her puny air group. Massachusetts arrived this turn, so more fast escorts for carriers. My two CVs are just off Roi-Namur.

Sadly, I lost Sian last turn. I really thought they'd hold out quite a while.

Ground combat at Sian (83,41)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 51022 troops, 777 guns, 339 vehicles, Assault Value = 1563

Defending force 42865 troops, 272 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1134

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 3136

Allied adjusted defense: 1179

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Sian !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
2258 casualties reported
Squads: 72 destroyed, 209 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 58 disabled
Guns lost 30 (1 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Units pursuing 1

Allied ground losses:
14233 casualties reported
Squads: 195 destroyed, 112 disabled
Non Combat: 519 destroyed, 189 disabled
Engineers: 69 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 72 (65 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units retreated 13

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
36th Division
40th Division
63rd/A Division
35th Division
32nd Division
63rd/B Division
12th Tank Regiment
2TD 10th Tank Regiment
26th Division
1TD 5th Ind Engineer Regiment
63rd/C Division
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Army
1st Mortar Battalion
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment

Defending units:
17th Chinese Army- Corps
3rd Chinese Army- Corps
34th Chinese Army Corps
61st Chinese Army Corps
47th Chinese Army- Corps
19th Chinese Army* Corps
33rd Chinese Army Corps
80th Chinese Army-~ Corps
7th Group Army
2nd War Area
1st War Area
6th Group Army
15th Chinese Base Force

Steve's been slowly making his way through the DEI. He's taken the NW tip of Flores. All the islands between Celebes and New Guinea are gone also. I don't know if he'll push his way to Timor or not.

[Mundy]

07 March 1943

About three week, and the Hellcats arrive. [:)]

More cat and mouse stuff going on around Marcus. He darts in very quickly with a surface force and beats up my transports, despite me having carrier support nearby. I've since withdrawn all transports destined for there. I'll get support in later, but for now, the troops will have to eat their belts and shoes. I did catch some cruisers on the way out and hit them. I wanted to put a bunch of torps into Yamato, but I wasn't that lucky.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Marcus Island at 123,85

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
SBD-3 Dauntless x 41
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Chokai, Torpedo hits 1
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Natsushio, on fire
DD Kuroshio, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Wakaba

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Kinugasa

I've started sweeps at Buna and Milne and overall, came out ahead. I'll let this run another turn. Heavies at Townsville are supposed to bomb the airfield, but they didn't fly this turn.

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 25

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 14

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

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
24th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 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 8 minutes
24th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 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 11 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 13

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 14

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

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
24th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
24th Sentai/B with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 32,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2

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

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Spitfire Vc Trop sweeping at 32000 feet

CAP engaged:
24th Sentai/A with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 8630.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Buna , at 99,129

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Spitfire Vc Trop sweeping at 25000 feet

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 26
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 45

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/A with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 17
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 30

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/A with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (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 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
22 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 15
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 32560.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 18

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 13
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 16

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (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 12000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 11
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3

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

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 32700.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 9

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 42 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 7
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 34000 feet

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 35600.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 29000.
Raid is overhead

I've gotten careless and let supply at Pearl run down, where there's a red exclamation mark on it. about 300k in supply will be arriving over the next four days. I need to keep this up awhile and I'm seriously overstacked with troops there right now. Lots of these will depart when I take the Marianas. I won't even need those troops for Luzon as many more units are already prepping for Mauban, where I'll make my landing. I'm not doing the real life thing and screwing with Leyte first. I'm being more direct. Hopefully, I can shut down his shipping well enough after I'm settled in.

[Bif1961]

They could always eat Poi.

[Mundy]

Or cannibalism...

08 March 1943

Bombing and sweeps at Milne. He didn't contest the Spits at Buna this turn.

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 27
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 27

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 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 27 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/A with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 1 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 26 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 3 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 23 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 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 25 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 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 11 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 21
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 19

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 9

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

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/A with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 2 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 16000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 20
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 3 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 34000 feet

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 32700.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/A with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 32700.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
6th Ku S-1'~/C with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 36550.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 51 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 between 18000 and 35550.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 between 15000 and 38550.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 40
B-24D Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 8 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 6 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 12 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 37

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
244th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 between 32560 and 34600.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (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
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1' with A6M3 Zero-Reisen (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 5 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 25000 feet



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet



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

Morning Air attack on Milne Bay , at 101,133

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 34000 feet

Damage there is around 65%. I'm toying with invading there, but all I can summon are invasion barges. He has about 20,000 troops there, but composition is unknown. I suppose I could take one of the islands one hex from that base and build my own base up. Another threat to Rabaul, too. I'll think on it awhile.

Two light cruisers and a pack of destroyers are going to bombard Milne, so I'll decide after then.

I'm having to deal with ship withdrawals and have fallen a bit behind. HMS Valiant is sitting in LA, apparently too damaged to withdraw, so I'm stuck with her and her penalty for now. I hate removing APs as I need them for invasions.

The rest of the USMC 1st Divisions and all of the 2nd division is boarding transports at Lunga, heading back to Pearl. Ships are off to Noumea to retrieve, I think the 40th and Americal Divisions. All four of these are destined for Luzon. I should have 6 CVs and 2-4 CVLs by the time I kick this off -- all with Hellcats on board. I haven't checked arrival dates, but maybe I'll get Helldivers by then too. I'll probably have enough F6Fs to replace everybody, land and sea, by then. Too bad I can't get Bearcats sooner, but the prototype is probably starting to fly by now.

[Bif1961]

Two prototypes were ordered by the Navy on November 27, 1943, with the designation XF8F-1. The first aircraft flew on August 21, 1944 (another account sets the first flight on August 13, 1944)9 and it was powered with a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-22 engine. The initial flight test met performance expectations with an initial rate of climb of 4,800 ft/min and a top speed of 424 mph.

[Mundy]

12 March 1943

Bunches of base forces are loading up at Townsville, bound for Woodlark Island. My daily bombings have pretty much shut down Milne Bay, so there should be no threat from that end. To do this, I had to spawn bunches of landing craft at Townsville, and it's taking a lot to do this. I guess the upside is that any airstrikes from Rabaul will only kill a vast minority of the troops.

Fairly quiet everywhere else, apart from daily sweeps at Kweilin, which I'm not contesting and daily bombings at Chengchow.

Taking and building up Woodlark should be useful to deal with Rabaul and Milne. Spitfires can reach Milne, and most other things can reach Rabaul. I can probably build it to a level 4 or 5 base.

[Mundy]

16 March 1943

My Chinese fighters went up to challenge his sweeps and came out better.

Morning Air attack on Kweilin , at 76,54

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 104 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
I-16-III x 6
H81-A3 x 7
P-43A-1 Lancer x 7

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

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
5th FG/17th FS CAF with H81-A3 (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4th FG/21st FS CAF with I-16-III (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
4th FG/24th FS CAF with P-43A-1 Lancer (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
11th FG/41st FS CAF with I-16-III (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

I swept and bombed Buna. No resistance. I thought I had spotted aircraft there earlier. Landing barges are slowly making towards Woodlark.



A question. My carriers are due to expand their Dive Bombing Squadron counts (to 36) this month. They're not doing it yet, despite being halfway through the month. Is there a supply requirement at the base for this to happen? I've upgraded to a yellow exclamation mark at Pearl and have more supply inbound.

[BBfanboy]

He might not be paying attention to his pilot skills in China. Tojos should not be beaten by those fighters - maybe his relatively low altitude was a factor too.

I don't think supply impacts the size change for ACUs. I am pretty sure the unit must be stood down. Some players say the CV should be disbanded in port but others say not necessary. You could manually reset the squadron size in the usual way and see if it changes in subsequent turns. I have had to leave CVs in port for days waiting for the squadrons to resize. Don't know why, unless there is a limit to how many resizes can happen in a turn or week?

You didn't land the squadron to PH base did you? It must stay on the CV to resize.

[jdsrae]

For your DB sqns to resize to 36 there needs to be space for that sized air group on the carrier.
It won’t auto resize if it would overstack the carrier.
You might need to shrink an air group first or fly off the fighters to let it happen, then shuffle the deck chairs for all air groups to get to the sizes you want.