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What is your opinion of the corsair fighter? Does not seem to be getting much action. How about the P38? I find the 3 service rating to be a serious impediment. Is your opponent making many tojos? They seem to be pretty nasty in my game.

crsutton.....my Corsairs have seen little combat. Im not flying any of the VMF groups with Corsairs off the CVEs....and their range seems to be too short for me to use them in combat from land bases. Im finding that Im overwhelming Japanese airfields on the Pacific islands with large CV fighter sweeps followed by 4Es escorted by P-38s at long range. The early generation P-38 E & F and even the G are not the war winners that they were in stock WitP. Even at high altitude sweeps they didnt fare that well against Jap CAP. The P-38s do well enough as escorts though to get the 4Es over target. Im just getting the P-38H now so we will see how they do. StoneAge used his Tojos over China and SE Asia and they seemed to be pretty dominant over my 1st generation fighters. The air war is pretty quiet now in the CBI since Ive overrun Indochina and we declared a ceasefire in China. Im not doing any strategic bombing in that area at this time but I think the air war over the CBI will heat up in 1944 when I resume the offensive there and we will see how the Tojos do against 2nd generation Allied fighters.



7/6-7/9/43



SUBS


SS S-46 is hit by 4 Dcs from IJN ASW off Muntok.

SS KVII puts a torpedo in AK Zinzam Maru by Donggala.

SS Sawfish is sunk by IJN ASW AC near Ominato.



CONVOY PQ-17


A transport TF returning to India from Darwin is carelessly allowed to sail too close to Java and its intercepted by an IJN SAG with catastrophic results:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Madioen at 48,115, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma
CL Isuzu
CL Yura
CL Tama
DD Ikazuchi
DD Fubuki
DD Shinonome
DD Usugumo
DD Isonami
DD Shikinami
DD Sagiri
DD Oboro
DD Sazanami
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 2
DD Yuzuki
DD Oite
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
xAK Neleus, Shell hits 4
xAK Nils Moller, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Itaura, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Itinda, Shell hits 4, on fire
xAK Rizwani, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Ima, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
PG Soerabaja, Shell hits 1
TK Saidja, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Merula, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Athelstane, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK British Dutchess, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK British Unity, Shell hits 16, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK British Chemist, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
TK British Hope, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK British Justice, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK British Zeal, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK Capsa, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
TK Inge Maersk, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
PG Indus



Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
Japanese open fire on surprised Allied ships at 23,000 yards
CA Mikuma fires at TK British Chemist at 23,000 yards
CA Mogami fires at TK Inge Maersk at 23,000 yards
CA Nachi fires at TK Capsa at 23,000 yards
CA Mogami fires at TK British Zeal at 23,000 yards
CA Mikuma fires at TK British Chemist at 23,000 yards
CA Mikuma fires at TK British Dutchess at 23,000 yards
CA Mogami fires at TK Athelstane at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK British Chemist at 21,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK British Zeal at 21,000 yards
CL Tama engages TK Inge Maersk at 21,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages xAK Ima at 21,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK British Chemist at 21,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK British Unity at 21,000 yards
DD Yuzuki engages TK British Zeal at 21,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages TK Athelstane at 21,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages TK Athelstane at 21,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages TK British Chemist at 21,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages xAK Nils Moller at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Zeal at 18,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages xAK Itaura at 18,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK British Unity at 18,000 yards
CL Tama engages TK Capsa at 18,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK British Zeal at 18,000 yards
CL Yura engages TK Saidja at 18,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages TK Inge Maersk at 18,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Chemist at 18,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages PG Soerabaja at 18,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK British Unity at 18,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAK Rizwani at 18,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK British Unity at 18,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages xAK Rizwani at 18,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages xAK Nils Moller at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
DD Shikinami collides with DD Mochizuki at 48 , 115
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Unity at 16,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK British Unity at 16,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK Inge Maersk at 16,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK Capsa at 16,000 yards
CL Tama engages TK British Chemist at 16,000 yards
CL Yura engages TK British Unity at 16,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK British Chemist at 16,000 yards
DD Oite engages TK British Unity at 16,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Dutchess at 16,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK Athelstane at 16,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages TK British Unity at 16,000 yards
DD Oite engages TK Saidja at 16,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAK Ima at 16,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK British Zeal at 16,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK British Unity at 16,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages xAK Nils Moller at 16,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages TK Capsa at 16,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK British Zeal at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Dutchess at 14,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Athelstane at 14,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK Inge Maersk at 14,000 yards
TK Capsa sunk by DD Oboro at 14,000 yards
CL Tama engages xAK Itaura at 14,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages TK British Unity at 14,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK British Chemist at 14,000 yards
DD Oite engages TK British Hope at 14,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK British Zeal at 14,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages TK Merula at 14,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK Saidja at 14,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK British Dutchess at 14,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK British Hope at 14,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK Athelstane at 14,000 yards
DD Oite engages xAK Itaura at 14,000 yards
DD Oite engages xAK Nils Moller at 14,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages xAK Neleus at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Nachi engages PG Indus at 10,000 yards
CL Tama engages PG Soerabaja at 10,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK British Chemist at 10,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages TK British Zeal at 10,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK British Justice at 10,000 yards
CL Yura engages TK British Hope at 10,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages TK British Chemist at 10,000 yards
DD Sawakaze engages TK Athelstane at 10,000 yards
DD Oite engages TK Merula at 10,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK Athelstane at 10,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK Merula at 10,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages TK Saidja at 10,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages xAK Ima at 10,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK British Zeal at 10,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK Inge Maersk at 10,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAK Itaura at 10,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAK Nils Moller at 10,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages TK British Dutchess at 10,000 yards
DD Usugumo engages TK Merula at 10,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages TK British Unity at 10,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAK Nils Moller at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PG Indus at 8,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Saidja at 8,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK British Justice at 8,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Justice at 8,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK British Hope at 8,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages xAK Neleus at 8,000 yards
DD Oite engages TK Athelstane at 8,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK Merula at 8,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK British Zeal at 8,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages xAK Ima at 8,000 yards
DD Fumizuki engages TK Saidja at 8,000 yards
DD Minazuki engages TK Inge Maersk at 8,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK British Hope at 8,000 yards
DD Oboro engages xAK Rizwani at 8,000 yards
DD Oite engages xAK Neleus at 8,000 yards
DD Isonami engages TK British Zeal at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PG Indus at 12,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK British Hope at 12,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK Inge Maersk at 12,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK British Zeal at 12,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK British Justice at 12,000 yards
DD Usugumo engages TK British Hope at 12,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages TK Merula at 12,000 yards
DD Sawakaze engages TK British Dutchess at 12,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK Athelstane at 12,000 yards
DD Yuzuki engages TK Inge Maersk at 12,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK Saidja at 12,000 yards
DD Kikuzuki engages TK Merula at 12,000 yards
DD Usugumo engages xAK Rizwani at 12,000 yards
DD Usugumo engages xAK Itinda at 12,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAK Itaura at 12,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages xAK Nils Moller at 12,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAK Neleus at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Justice at 17,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages PG Soerabaja at 17,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK British Hope at 17,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK British Justice at 17,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK British Hope at 17,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK British Unity at 17,000 yards
DD Sawakaze engages TK Inge Maersk at 17,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK Merula at 17,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK Saidja at 17,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages TK Merula at 17,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages xAK Rizwani at 17,000 yards
DD Isonami engages xAK Itinda at 17,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages xAK Itaura at 17,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK Inge Maersk at 17,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK British Justice at 17,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages TK British Justice at 17,000 yards
DD Shikinami engages TK Merula at 17,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages TK Inge Maersk at 17,000 yards
DD Fubuki engages TK Saidja at 17,000 yards
DD Ikazuchi engages TK British Unity at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK Saidja at 20,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages PG Soerabaja at 20,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK Inge Maersk at 20,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK British Zeal at 20,000 yards
CL Tama engages TK British Zeal at 20,000 yards
CL Yura engages TK Merula at 20,000 yards
DD Oboro engages TK British Unity at 20,000 yards
DD Oite engages PG Soerabaja at 20,000 yards
DD Isonami engages TK Saidja at 20,000 yards
DD Shinonome engages xAK Rizwani at 20,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages xAK Itinda at 20,000 yards
DD Oboro engages xAK Itaura at 20,000 yards
DD Sazanami engages TK Saidja at 20,000 yards
DD Oboro engages xAK Neleus at 20,000 yards
DD Isonami engages TK Merula at 20,000 yards
DD Ikazuchi engages TK British Dutchess at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
TK Inge Maersk , TK British Zeal , TK British Justice ,
TK British Hope , TK British Unity screened from combat
- escorted by PG Indus , PG Soerabaja
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Dutchess at 23,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Inge Maersk at 23,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages xAK Ima at 23,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages xAK Itaura at 23,000 yards
CA Nachi engages xAK Neleus at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Justice at 26,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK British Hope at 26,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK Saidja at 26,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK British Justice at 26,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages TK British Justice at 26,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK British Dutchess at 26,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK Merula at 26,000 yards
CA Nachi engages xAK Ima at 26,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PG Indus at 29,000 yards
CA Mogami engages PG Soerabaja at 29,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK Inge Maersk at 29,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK British Zeal at 29,000 yards
CA Nachi engages TK British Justice at 29,000 yards
CA Mogami engages TK British Unity at 29,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK British Dutchess at 29,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages TK Merula at 29,000 yards
CA Mikuma engages xAK Itinda at 29,000 yards
Task forces break off...


The Allies lose 4 AKs and 11 TKs. This disaster would have never happened if I would have used proper waypoints for an area that I had been callously disregarding as a "backwater". I seem to have one of these " Convoy PQ-17"s every game I play of WitP.



CBI


Havent said much about this area in several months. StoneAge has been flying recon over every coastal city in Indochia so Ive garrisoned every port size 2 or larger with a brigade.

Eastern Command captured Mergui this turn......I just wanted to tidy up the border a bit before the real offensive to recapture the Malay peninsula is launched in 1944. In the process, another RTA Regiment is annihilated....thought I had destroyed all those Thai units already.

The 5th Indian Division is now marching towards Bangkok from Moulmein so Ive been able to withdraw the 7th Australian Division from Indochina...the last unit of the 1st Australian Corps to be withdrawn from the CBI for redeployment to the DEI. With IJN carrier power destroyed Ive been able to ship in hundreds of thousands of supplies from India into Bangkok, Moulmein and even Tavoy.

7/10-7/11/43



SWPAC


IJN bombers attack Allied shipping off the north coast of New Guinea at long range but their aim is amiss(they seem to be as bad as Allied medium bombers):


Morning Air attack on TF, near Manokwari at 85,109

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 16



Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
APA Henry T. Allen
APA John Penn
AM Swallow



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo



Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manokwari at 85,109

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15



Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Royal Sovereign
BB Resolution
BB Ramillies



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo


Ive pretty much telegraphed my intentions of assaulting the Paulaus/Marianas and StoneAge has been busy reinforcing and mining all the islands....often right under the nose of USN CVEs covering the buildup on Woleai. When naval search spotted an IJN TF of 7 ships at Ulithi last turn it was the last straw.

Nine CVEs were detached from the fleet covering Woleai and sent north to hit IJN shipping both in the Paulaus and the Marianas. Thinking it would be a surprise attack I underestimated the number of IJN naval bombers that would be on alert in the Marianas:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Guam at 102,95

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 34
G3M3 Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 19



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 71
FM-1 Wildcat x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Breton
CVE Nassau, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Suwannee
CVE Santee, Torpedo hits 1
CVE Anzio
CVE Chenango



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
11 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 2000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-4F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Guam at 102,95

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 18



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36
FM-1 Wildcat x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 5 destroyed




CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F4F-4 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
VRF-4F with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Guam at 102,95

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 19
B6N1 Jill x 4
G3M3 Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 4



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 39
FM-1 Wildcat x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 2 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (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 22000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-4F with F4F-4 Wildcat (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 22000 , scrambling fighters to 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers



The USN CVEs pound Japanese shipping throughout the Marianas and the Paulaus for 2 days but not nearly enough damage is caused:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 108,93

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
TBF-1 Avenger x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
DD Yukaze



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
201 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
201 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (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 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
582 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 100,92

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
FM-1 Wildcat x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 8


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Akiura Maru
xAK Hokuroku Maru, Torpedo hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rota at 107,95

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26


Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
LB-104, Shell hits 3
LB-105, Shell hits 2



Aircraft Attacking:
26 x F4F-4 Wildcat bombing from 100 feet


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 108,93

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 7



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
201 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
582 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 108,93

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 57 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
TBF-1 Avenger x 7


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
TBF-1 Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Asanagi
APD Shimakaze



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
201 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (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 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
582 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (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 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 100,92

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
FM-1 Wildcat x 6
TBF-1 Avenger x 7


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Manila Maru, Torpedo hits 1
xAK Tatuharu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rota at 107,95

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 26


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
LB-105
LB-112, Shell hits 7
LB-104, Shell hits 6



Aircraft Attacking:
26 x F4F-4 Wildcat bombing from 100 feet

CAP engaged:
582 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 10


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokuroku Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk



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

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Hokuroku Maru


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Guam at 102,87

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
FM-1 Wildcat x 5
TBF-1 Avenger x 7


Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Akiura Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAK Manila Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Manila Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Guam at 106,95

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 5



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
LB-101
LB-102



Aircraft Attacking:
21 x F4F-4 Wildcat bombing from 100 feet

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
201 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
201 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead


When the smoke clears the Allies have lost 50 AC to 83 Japanese AC. In A2A, its 28 Allied AC to 57 Japanese AC. Notable aircraft losses include 36 F4F-4, 24 A6M3a, 19 Betty, 17 Nell and 3 TBF-1. Looks like I will need to start upgrading the CVE fighters to Hellcats.

CVE Santee has 7 SYS and 26 FLT while CVE Nassau has 11 SYS, 31 FLT and 22 ENG.....they should both make it back to Rabaul.....but then thats what I said about CV Hornet 2 weeks ago.

When the Allied CVs sortie from Rabaul in a few days to escort the Ulithi invasion I will do a more complete maritime sweep through the Paulaus and Marianas.

7/12-7/13/43



SUBS


StoneAge send a wolfpack of subs against the USN CVEs covering Woleai:


Sub attack near Woleai at 102,104

Japanese Ships
SS RO-36, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CVE Long Island
DD Ammen
DD Smith
DD Perkins



SS RO-36 launches 4 torpedoes at CVE Long Island
RO-36 diving deep ....
DD Smith fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins attacking submerged sub ....
DD Smith attacking submerged sub ....
Debris floats to surface in area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woleai at 102,104

Japanese Ships
SS I-170, hits 6

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Smith
DD Perkins



SS I-170 launches 4 torpedoes at CVE Altamaha
I-170 diving deep ....
DD Smith fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Smith attacking submerged sub ....
DD Smith fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Smith attacking submerged sub ....
DD Smith attacking submerged sub ....
DD Smith fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Woleai at 102,104

Japanese Ships
SS I-160

Allied Ships
DD Ammen
DD Perkins



SS I-160 launches 8 torpedoes at DD Ammen
I-160 diving deep ....
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Perkins fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub



SS RO-36 and SS I-170 are sunk by the CVE escorts.


Submarine attack near Woleai at 102,104

Japanese Ships
SS I-160, hits 15, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Ammen
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Radford
DD Smith



SS I-160 launches 8 torpedoes at DD Ammen
I-160 diving deep ....
DD Radford attacking submerged sub ....
DD Radford fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Radford attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-160 forced to surface!
DD Ammen firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Ammen firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Ammen firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Radford firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Ammen firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves



Unfortunately my replay was out of sink......evidently SS I-160 won the battle and not only is still alive but sank CLAA Van Heemskerck.



SS Whale puts a torpedo in AK Ryoka Maru off Toyohara.

SS Kingfish is hit by 3 DCs from E Hishu by Fukue-jima and must retrun home for repairs.

SS Tullibee puts 2 torpedoes in AK Ryoka Maru near Wakkanai to finish her off.



SWPAC


StoneAge sends E Niizaki on a suicide mission to Woleai to see what the Allies have there:


Day Time Surface Combat, near Woleai at 101,103, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Niizaki, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
BB South Dakota
CA Chester
CA Louisville
CA Chicago
CA Salt Lake City
CA Astoria
CA San Francisco
CA Vincennes
CA Australia
CL Marblehead
DD DeHaven
DD Meredith
DD Aaron Ward
DD Buchanan
DD Bulmer
DD Parrott
DD Pope



Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 29,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 29,000 yards
CA Australia engages E Niizaki at 29,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages E Niizaki at 27,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages E Niizaki at 27,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages E Niizaki at 25,000 yards
Range closes to 22,000 yards
CA Vincennes engages E Niizaki at 22,000 yards
CA Chester engages E Niizaki at 22,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages E Niizaki at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Niizaki at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
E Niizaki sunk by BB South Dakota at 11,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...


A group of Bettys attacks the 9 CVE TF withdrawing from the Paulaus and is easily dealt with:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,100

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 17



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 72
FM-1 Wildcat x 10


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 9 destroyed


Allied Ships
CVE Suwannee
CVE Nassau



CAP engaged:
VF-26 with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VRF-3F with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VRF-4F with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes





The game detaches damaged CVE Altamaha from the CVE group off Woleai and sends her back towards Rabaul....she is attacked by Bettys and valiantly fights them off even though she is heavily damaged:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Woleai at 102,106

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 5



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VMF-122 with F4F-4 Wildcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead


Wrong again......out of synch replay. Evidently the Bettys got through and put 3 torpedoes in CVE Altamaha to finish her off. Seems like every time I see an out of synch replay it is more favorable to the Allies that the results from the host computer.


With the E boat suicide mission and the out of synch IJN sub attacks and the out of synch Betty attacks I think its time to get out of Dodge at Woleai....all the transports and the SAG and the CVEs will head back towards Rabaul.

The US Army 27th Division begins amphibious loading at Rabaul for the assault on Ulithi.

Meanwhile, the base building frenzy continues on the NW tip of New Guinea. What had been steaming malarial jungle only 2 weeks ago now sports a level 4 AF /level 3 port at Sorong, a level 2 AF and port at Manokwari and a level 4 AF/level 2 port at Biak.

7/14-7/15/43



SUBS


StoneAge sends a wolfpack of at least 8 subs to attack shipping at Koepang. We have 2 USN ASW TFs patrolling around Koepang plus some 50-60 experienced ASW AC patrolling on the search arc depicted in the screenshot below.


SS I-17 is sunk by a USN ASW TF near Koepang.

Here is a list of IJN sub contacts in the area:



TBF-1 Avenger reports conning tower at 68, 118 near Koepang
TBF-1 Avenger reports radio transmissions at 68, 118 near Koepang
TF 242 detects Japanese Float Plane at 67,117 near Koepang
TF 142 detected by Japanese Aircraft at 102,113 near Manus
PV-1 Ventura reports submarine wake at 68, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports object under water at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports radio transmissions at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports suspected submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports oil slick at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports shape below surface at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports radio transmissions at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports possible submarine at 68, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports oil slick at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports radio transmissions at 68, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports object near surface at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports diving submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports oil slick at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports diving submarine at 68, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports shadow in water at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking a Japanese SS at 69,119
a Japanese SS is reported HIT
Vengeance I reports possible submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports possible submarine at 65, 116 near Sawoe Islands
Vengeance I reports suspected submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object under water at 65, 116 near Sawoe Islands
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking a Japanese SS at 69,119
a Japanese SS is reported HIT
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 65,116
SS RO-66 is reported HIT
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking a Type K5 class SS at 67,117
a Type J2 class SS is reported HIT
Vengeance I reports diving submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports turbulence in water at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope wake at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 68, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports turbulence in water at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 65,116
SS RO-66 is reported HIT
Vengeance I reports radio transmissions at 68, 118 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports shadow in water at 69, 119 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports shape below surface at 67, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports periscope wake at 67, 117 near Koepang


TBF-1 Avenger reports suspected submarine at 68, 118 near Koepang
TBF-1 Avenger reports possible submarine at 65, 116 near Sawoe Islands
TBF-1 Avenger from VT-71 attacking SS RO-101 at 68,118
SS RO-101 is reported HIT
TBF-1 Avenger reports turbulence in water at 68, 118 near Koepang
TBF-1 Avenger reports periscope wake at 68, 118 near Koepang
TF 1 detects Japanese Recon at 68,116 near Koepang
TF 484 detected by Japanese Float Plane at 68,116 near Koepang
SS S-41 snooped by Japanese Medium Bomber at 62,108 near Raba
Walrus II reports conning tower at 68, 118 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports diving submarine at 102, 104 near Woleai
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 68, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports turbulence in water at 68, 118 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine wake at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports suspected submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports conning tower at 68, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 68, 118 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports turbulence in water at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports possible submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports conning tower at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports periscope at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura from No.13 Sqn RAAF attacking a Japanese SS at 68,118
a Type KD6B class SS is reported HIT
PV-1 Ventura reports suspected submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura from No.13 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 65,116
SS RO-66 is reported HIT
PV-1 Ventura reports periscope wake at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports suspected submarine at 65, 116 near Sawoe Islands
PV-1 Ventura reports possible submarine at 68, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports shape below surface at 68, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura from No.13 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 65,116
SS RO-66 is reported HIT
PV-1 Ventura from No.13 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-101 at 68,118
SS RO-101 is reported HIT
PV-1 Ventura from No.13 Sqn RAAF attacking a Japanese SS at 69,119
a Type L4 class SS is reported HIT
PV-1 Ventura reports object under water at 65, 116 near Sawoe Islands
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking a Japanese SS at 69,119
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope wake at 68, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports possible submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope at 68, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports suspected submarine at 68, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports diving submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports shape below surface at 65, 116 near Sawoe Islands
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports submarine at 68, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 69, 119 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports radio transmissions at 68, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports object under water at 67, 117 near Koepang

TBF-1 Avenger reports radio transmissions at 67, 117 near Koepang
TBF-1 Avenger from VT-71 attacking a Type KD5 class SS at 69,119
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 101, 103 near Woleai
PBY-5 Catalina reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports oil slick at 69, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports possible submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports diving submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports object under water at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports possible submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports turbulence in water at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports turbulence in water at 69, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports possible submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports object near surface at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports diving submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports periscope at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports submarine at 69, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports possible submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports shadow in water at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 68,117
SS RO-66 is reported HIT
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object near surface at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports oil slick at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports conning tower at 69, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope wake at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports radio transmissions at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object under water at 69, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking a Type J3 class SS at 69,119
Vengeance I reports radio transmissions at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports suspected submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope wake at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object under water at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports turbulence in water at 68, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports periscope wake at 69, 119 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports diving submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports oil slick at 68, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports object under water at 68, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee from 3rd BG/13th BS attacking a Type K6 class SS at 67,117

TBF-1 Avenger reports object under water at 68, 117 near Koepang
TBF-1 Avenger reports periscope at 69, 119 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports diving submarine at 101, 103 near Woleai
PBY-5 Catalina reports object under water at 101, 103 near Woleai
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports shadow in water at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports possible submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine wake at 69, 119 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine wake at 68, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports suspected submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina from VB-101 attacking SS RO-66 at 68,117
PBY-5 Catalina reports periscope at 69, 119 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine wake at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 69, 119 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports submarine wake at 67, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports oil slick at 68, 117 near Koepang
PBY-5 Catalina reports object near surface at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports object near surface at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports radio transmissions at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports conning tower at 69, 118 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports shape below surface at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura from No.13 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 68,117
PV-1 Ventura reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports suspected submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports submarine wake at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports object near surface at 68, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports diving submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports radio transmissions at 69, 119 near Koepang
PV-1 Ventura reports submarine at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object under water at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports shadow in water at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-66 at 68,117
SS RO-66 is reported HIT
Vengeance I from No.23 Sqn RAAF attacking SS RO-101 at 69,118
SS RO-101 is reported HIT
Vengeance I reports conning tower at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object near surface at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports diving submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports periscope wake at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object near surface at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports object under water at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports possible submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports possible submarine at 69, 119 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 68, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports submarine wake at 69, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports suspected submarine at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports diving submarine at 69, 118 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports shadow in water at 67, 117 near Koepang
Vengeance I reports shadow in water at 69, 119 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports conning tower at 67, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports shadow in water at 67, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports turbulence in water at 68, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports oil slick at 67, 117 near Koepang
A-24 Banshee reports oil slick at 69, 119 near Koepang


Intel reports that SS I-4 was also sunk this turn off Koepang by ASW AC. That still leaves at least 6 spotted IJN subs in the wolfpack there.

After destroying 4 subs in 2 turns I mentioned to StoneAge that he was going to run out of subs. StoneAge replied that unlike most Japanese players he was
going to complete construction on as many subs as he could.




SHIPS


CV Bunker Hill completed her transit through the Panama Canal last turn and left Balboa today for Rabaul.

BB Nevada completed her repair of minor damage incurred when torpedoed during the Naval Battle of Hollandia and left Rabaul today for Pearl Harbor to complete repairs of her major damage.

Intel reports that BB Hyuga was indeed sunk during the Naval Battle of Hollandia....in addition to BB Ise and BB Fuso that makes 3 IJN BBs sunk during that 5 day battle. When added to BB Musashi, BB Haruna and BB Kongo which were sunk during the Naval Battle of the Marshall Islands, Japan has now lost 6 BBs.

7/16-7/19/43



SUBS GONE WILD!


SS Guardfish sinks AK Nitiho Maru off Sapporp.

SS I-34 is hit by 6 DCs from a USN ASW TF by Biak and is sunk.

SS Steelhead sinks AO Shirotoko near Naga.

SS Runner sinks TK Kyokuho Maru off Amami Oshima.

SS O24 sinks SC CHa-34 by Lingga.

SS Rasher sinks TK Huzisan off Amami Oshima.....looks like StoneAge is trying to bring in the fuel convoys fuel from the SW tip of the Home Islands....Im gonna flood this area with a half dozen more sub patrols.

SS S-37 is hit by 3 Dcs from an IJN ASW TF by Balikpappan.

SS Billfish sinks CMc Kuroshima near Amami Oshima.

SS Capelin sinks AK Canberra Maru off Iriomote.


StoneAge sends a wolfpack of 10 subs to Woleai:

SS I-181 sinks CM Weekawken off Woleai.

SS I-178 puts a torpedo in CM Salem at Woleai.

SS I-174 lands 2 more fish in CM Salem at Woleai and sinks her.

SS RO-108 pumps 7 shells into LCT-135 and simnks her at Woleai.


I knew that StoneAge would send a wolfpack of subs around Woleai...fortunately my transports left the turn before the subs arrived. I attempted to mine Woleai to attrition the IJN subs but StoneAge got both my minelayers before they laid their mines. Im sending another minelaying TF with 3 DMs to Woleai to see if I can get a minefield laid.

The screenshot below show the situation around Woleai....3 USN ASW Tfs are on the way with about 30 SBDs and TBFs on ASW patrol.....hopefully we can attack a few IJN subs in shallow waters around the base.



CENTPAC


Wotje and Kwajalein are both 100% neutalized and they appear to be low on supplies....repairs now are slow to non-existant at both bases. After a couple turns of rest CENTPAC SBDs and medium bombers will turn their attention to Eniwetok.

An IJN SAG shows up north of Eniwetok:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 128,106

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Onami
CL Kinu, Shell hits 3
DD Teruzuki



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 128,106

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 9


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Makigumo, Shell hits 18
DD Niizuki, Shell hits 6
DD Akizuki, Shell hits 8
DD Naganami



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 128,107

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 4


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Onami
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 6



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



The B-25D1s evidently need more training with their skip bombing techniques but at least they can light up the smaller ships a bit with their prodigious cannon firepower.


In case the IJN SAG is targeting Roi-Namur for a naval bombardment Ive evacuated everything but the PBYs from that base. If the IJN SAG travels any
further south than that they will get caught in a crossfire of SBDs and medium bombers.



SWPAC


Amphibious TF 86......loaded with the US Army 27th Division.......should arrive off the coast of Ulithi next turn after carefully avoiding the hornet's nest of IJN subs around Woleai. The 27th Division will be assaulting Ulithi on the following turn. TF 86 is covered by 2 SAGs, 2 CVEs and 6 CVs.


Meanwhile, a naval base force is landed at Biak under the cover of 9 CVEs and a RN SAG.

7/20-7/21/43



SUBS GONE WILD!


SS S-43 is hit by 3 DCs from convoy escorts by Muntok.

SS I-178 takes 14 DCs from USN ASW TF off Woleai.

SS S-36 sinks TK San Diego Maru near Muntok.

SS I-174 is hit by 4 DCs from USN ASW TF at Woleai.

SS S-36 surfaces off Muntok to pump 33 shells into AKL Kokuei Maru and heavily damages her but is hit by 5 shells in return.

SS KXIII takes 9 DCs from IJN ASW near Raba and must return to base for repairs.

SS S-180 sinks DM Breese off Woleai.

SS I-174 is sunk by USN ASW AC at Woleai.

SS I-31 is sunk by USN ASW AC by Woleai.



CENTPAC


StoneAge sends in a SAG to pound the forward CENTPAC base at Roi-Namur....we had moved virtually all the AC off the base the turn before but AV Pokomoke is sunk in port:


Naval bombardment of Roi-Namur at 132,114

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
BB Nagato
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Kumano
CA Ashigara
CA Myoko
CA Tone
CL Kinu
CL Natori
CL Nagara
DD Onami
DD Tamanami
DD Naganami
DD Takanami
DD Makigumo
DD Akigumo
DD Yugumo
DD Wakazuki
DD Niizuki
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Susuzuki
DD Teruzuki
DD Akizuki
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
AV Pocomoke, Shell hits 28, heavy fires, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Airbase hits 30
Airbase supply hits 14
Runway hits 167
Port hits 60
Port fuel hits 15
Port supply hits 8

BB Yamato firing at Roi-Namur
BB Nagato firing at Roi-Namur
BB Kirishima firing at Roi-Namur
BB Hiei firing at Roi-Namur
CA Kumano firing at Roi-Namur
CA Ashigara firing at Roi-Namur
CA Myoko firing at Roi-Namur
CA Tone firing at Roi-Namur
CL Kinu firing at Roi-Namur
CL Natori firing at Roi-Namur
CL Nagara firing at Roi-Namur
DD Onami firing at Roi-Namur
DD Tamanami firing at Roi-Namur
DD Naganami firing at Roi-Namur
DD Takanami firing at Roi-Namur
DD Makigumo firing at Roi-Namur
DD Akigumo firing at Roi-Namur
DD Yugumo firing at Roi-Namur
DD Wakazuki firing at Roi-Namur
DD Niizuki firing at Roi-Namur
DD Hatsuzuki firing at Roi-Namur
DD Susuzuki firing at Roi-Namur
DD Teruzuki firing at Roi-Namur
DD Akizuki firing at Roi-Namur
DD Shimakaze firing at 182nd USAAF Base Force


I actually appreciated this bit of intel......4 of Japans remaining 6 BBs are bombarding away in the Marshalls while we are invading in the Paulaus....that IJN SAG will need to return to Japan to re-arm and that should give us ample time to invade Ulithi and Yap without facing the usual horde of IJN BBs. although...
when this SAG does reappear we better be prepared to face off against 4 BBs including BB Yamato.


Several groups of CENTPAC medium bombers attack attack the withdrawing IJN SAG but no hits are scored:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 127,107

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 4


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 250 lb SAP Bomb


Morning Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 127,107

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 4


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze
CA Myoko



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 127,107

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 4


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 3 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 127,107

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Tamanami, Shell hits 8
CA Kumano, Shell hits 2



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb



CENTPAC PBYs land a bomb on AK Hukusei off Goronfalo:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Gorontalo at 71,95

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
PBY-5A Catalina x 1


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Hukusei Maru, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x PBY-5A Catalina bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb




SWPAC


Amphibious TF 86 moved a bit slower than I expected and ended up a couple of hexes short of Ulithi. Since Ulithi is an atoll I will need to wait another turn to invade so that I can be adjacent to the island before the assault is launched.

The 6 CVs escorting Amphibious TF 86 launch airstrikes against the defenses on Ulithi and against IJN minelayers at Woleai:


Afternoon Air attack on Ulithi , at 98,97

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 25
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 26
SBD-3 Dauntless x 58
SBD-5 Dauntless x 58


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 9 damaged



Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
9 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
15 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
9 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
19 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 26 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
SBD-5 Dauntless x 28


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima
CM Tsugaru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CM Tsugaru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Ulithi , at 98,97

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 11
FM-1 Wildcat x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 13
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 24
SBD-3 Dauntless x 58
SBD-5 Dauntless x 56
TBF-1 Avenger x 9


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 7 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CM Okinoshima, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
CM Tsugaru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
3 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
20 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
16 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
16 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Also attacking Ulithi ...
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CM Tsugaru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CM Okinoshima
Also attacking Ulithi ...
Also attacking Ulithi ...
Also attacking Ulithi ...
Also attacking Ulithi ...
Also attacking Ulithi ...


The airfields at Biak and Sorong are both built up to level 5.

USN CVEs and a RN SAG cover the unloading of a base force at Manokwari.

7/22-7/23/43



SUBS


SS I-159 puts a torpedo in BB Resolution by Sansapur.

SS Silversides sinks AK Mansei maru off Siargo.

SS O19 sinks AK Fuldso Maru near Jolo.

SS RO-107 is hit by 6 DCs from USN ASW TF off Woleai.

SS I-159 takes 9 DCs from USN ASW TF by Sansapur.

SS Grampus sinks PC Ashi near Skikuka.

SS I-35 is sunk by USN ASW AC off Woleai.

SS I-38 is sunk by USN ASW AC by Babeldaob.



SWPAC: INVASION ULITHI.....D-DAY MINUS ONE


Admiral Hill's Amphibious TF 86 sails just offshore df Ulithi while carrier based SBDs plaster the atolls defenses for another day. The 27th Division is scheduled to storm ashore tomorrow after an early morning naval bombardment.

IJN naval bombers catch a couple of stray USN landing craft in the waters between the paulaus and New Guinea:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Woleai at 101,103

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 11



Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 11 damaged

Allied Ships
LST-20
SC-636
SC-703
LST-25, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo



Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 99,100

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 5
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AM Swallow
LCI-83, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead


We have so many TFs traversing the waters between Ulithi and New Guinea that we cant cover them all.


BB Resolution only has 9 SYS and 3 FLT so the torpedo that struck it must not have penetrated and she will remain on station off the northern coast of New Guinea.

7/24-7/25/43



SUBS


SS KXIV sinks TK Sanruku Maru off Bintan.



SWPAC: INVASION ULITHI......D-DAY



Amphibious TF 86 begins the assault by clearing lanes through the minefields that surround Ulithi:


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jul 24, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 86 encounters mine field at Ulithi (98,97)

Allied Ships
DMS Long
DMS Lamberton
DMS Boggs
DMS Hamilton
DMS Trevor
DMS Zane
DMS Hopkins
DMS Hovey
AM Grebe
AM Tern
AM Turkey
AM Oriole
AM Bittern
AM Token
AM Champion
AM Motive
AM Heed
AM Sage
AM Wagga
AM Townsville
AM Cootamundra
DD Flusser
DD Ellet
APD Gregory
CL Concord, Mine hits 1



278 mines cleared


Then the bombardment TF moves in to give the atoll another "Spruance haircut":


Naval bombardment of Ulithi at 98,97

Allied Ships
BB Indiana
BB Oklahoma
CA Minneapolis
CA New Orleans
CA Houston
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis
CA Portland

Japanese ground losses:
289 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)



Port hits 17
Port fuel hits 9
Port supply hits 7

BB Indiana firing at Ulithi
BB Oklahoma firing at Ulithi
CA Minneapolis firing at Ulithi
CA New Orleans firing at Ulithi
CA Houston firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
CA Northampton firing at Ulithi
CA Indianapolis firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
CA Portland firing at Ulithi



Coastal guns engage Amphibious TF 86 as the assault transports swarm towards the beach:


Pre-Invasion action off Ulithi
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Trenton
CL Raleigh
CL Richmond
CL Adelaide
DD Flusser
LCI-218
AM Cootamundra

Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



CL Trenton firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
CL Raleigh firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
CL Richmond firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
CL Adelaide firing at 67th Naval Guard Unit
DD Flusser firing at 6th Indpt SNLF Coy
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Ulithi

TF 86 troops unloading over beach at Ulithi, 98,97


Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)


37mm M3 AT Gun dropped into water during unload of 27th Infantry Div /278


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Ulithi
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LCI-218
AM Cootamundra



Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards




Overhead, Japanese fighters engage the CAP over USN invasion forces:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 11
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
FM-1 Wildcat x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 29


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 5 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
VC(F)-41 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes



USN carrier bombers hammer the hapless defenders:


Morning Air attack on 6th Indpt SNLF Coy , at 98,97 (Ulithi)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 34 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes


Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1
FM-1 Wildcat x 6
F6F-3 Hellcat x 79
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 23
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
127 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
9 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
19 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 67th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking 67th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking 67th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking 67th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking 67th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 6th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking 67th Naval Guard Unit ...


Afternoon Air attack on Ulithi , at 98,97

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
F6F-3 Hellcat x 50
SBD-5 Dauntless x 28


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 9 damaged



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
14 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Port Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb



IJN naval bombers unsuccessfully attack the USN TFs at Ulithi:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10
G4M1 Betty x 11



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10
FM-1 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 27


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
LCI-331



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 35500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (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 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers


The Allied carriers launch 2 airstrikes to destroy an IJN convoy that ventured too close to the combat zone:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 101,94

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 45
SBD-3 Dauntless x 28
SBD-5 Dauntless x 27
TBF-1 Avenger x 8


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Nitisan Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Okiyu Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Asakaze Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
AMC Kiyosumi Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC Ch 24
xAK Teikoku Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
AO Ashizuri, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Nozima Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
4 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 3000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
18 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Asakaze Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Kiyosumi Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Teikoku Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AO Ashizuri
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Okiyu Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nitisan Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nozima Maru


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 101,94

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 51
SBD-5 Dauntless x 25
TBF-1 Avenger x 4


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Okiyu Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
SC Ch 24, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Nozima Maru, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
SC Ch 22, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC Ch 23, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Okiyu Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nozima Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring SC Ch 22


After losing a large British TK convoy when it wandered too close to Java a couple of weeks ago its nice to see the occasional IJN convoy wander into harm's way.



The 27th Division fights it way ashore and after the initial resistance the atoll is secured by the end of the day:


Ground combat at Ulithi (98,97)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1051 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 38

Defending force 10542 troops, 210 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 381

Japanese ground losses:
131 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Assaulting units:
6th Indpt SNLF Coy
67th Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
27th Infantry Div /306


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

Ground combat at Ulithi (98,97)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 10542 troops, 210 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 381

Defending force 1207 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 31

Allied adjusted assault: 11

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ulithi !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
2041 casualties reported
Squads: 44 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 83 destroyed, 54 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 25 (19 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units destroyed 1


Allied ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Assaulting units:
27th Infantry Div /306

Defending units:
6th Indpt SNLF Coy
67th Naval Guard Unit


Seabees and construction engineers will be landed on Ulithi tomorrow. The port will be maxed out to level 6 and the zero rated AF will be built up to a level 1 AF over time. We will drop off some AEs and ADs at Ulithi and it will be CENTPAC's major forward resupply base during the Marianas offensive in the fall.

7/26-7/27/43



SUBS


SS RO-105 is sunk by an USN ASW TF off Woleai.

SS Searaven sinks E Manazuru by Donggala.

SS I-181 is hit by 2 DCs from USN ASW TF near Ultithi.

SS RO-101 is sunk by an USN ASW TF by Koepang.

SS I-39 is sunk by an ASW TF off Woleai.



SWPAC


The SWPAC offensive is about 2 weeks behind schedule due to the losses suffered in the Naval Battle of Hollandia. The planned CENTPAC Marianas Offensive will still begin in September as scheduled however.


USN amphibious transports must now rapidly reload the 27th Division as Ulithi is another very small atoll(6000 troop capacity) and currently is grossly overstacked. As 27th Division reloads into the transports for redeployment back to Rabaul other transports are dropping off 5 seabee and naval construction units on the atoll.

Japanese naval bombers continue to strike at Allied shipping in the area:


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 14



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23
FM-1 Wildcat x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Corregidor



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VC(F)-41 with FM-1 Wildcat (1 airborne, 7 on standby, 8 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 10 on standby, 11 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4
G3M3 Nell x 26



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 17
FM-1 Wildcat x 11
F6F-3 Hellcat x 24


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 7 destroyed, 5 damaged


Allied Ships
AM Token
DMS Trevor



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(14 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 11 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VC(F)-41 with FM-1 Wildcat (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead


Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 2
G4M1 Betty x 6



Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21
FM-1 Wildcat x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed




CAP engaged:
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 9 on standby, 10 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-41 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 35500.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ulithi at 98,97

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1
G3M3 Nell x 10
G4M1 Betty x 12



Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
FM-1 Wildcat x 9
F6F-3 Hellcat x 20


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed




CAP engaged:
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
No.882 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
No.896 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
No.898 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 27000
Raid is overhead
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (14 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 28300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VC(F)-41 with FM-1 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes




CBI


Eastern Command continues its march through the jungle towards Prachuap Khiri Khan. StoneAge has reinforced the base with 9 LCUs so we should have a pretty good battle here.

An IJN SAG sails through the Andaman Sea on its way to bombard either Moulmein or Rangoon. All available medium, torpedo and dive bombers in Burma and Thailand are placed on alert.

SUBS


SS I-162 is hit by 13 DCs from USN ASW TF off Sorong.

SS I-155 is hit by 2 DCs from USN ASW Tf off Sorong.

SS Peto sinks AK Monji Maru by Kushiro.

SS S-45 is hit by 4 DCs from IJN ASW near Kragan.

SS I-182 is hit by _30_ DCs from USN ASW and sunk at Ulithi.



CBI


The IJN SAG running amok in the Andaman Sea bombards Moulmein:


Naval bombardment of Moulmein at 55,55

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
A-20A Havoc: 3 destroyed on ground
Beaufort VIII: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CA Nachi
CL Tama
CL Yura
CL Isuzu
DD Sawakaze
DD Oite
DD Yuzuki
DD Kikuzuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Sazanami
DD Oboro
DD Sagiri
DD Isonami
DD Usugumo
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Ikazuchi


Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 10 (8 destroyed, 2 disabled)


Airbase hits 34
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 427

BB Yamashiro firing at Moulmein
CA Mikuma firing at Moulmein
CA Mogami firing at Moulmein
CA Nachi firing at Moulmein
CL Tama firing at Moulmein
CL Yura firing at Moulmein
CL Isuzu firing at Moulmein
DD Sawakaze firing at Moulmein
DD Oite firing at Moulmein
DD Yuzuki firing at Moulmein
DD Kikuzuki firing at Moulmein
DD Fumizuki firing at Moulmein
DD Minazuki firing at Moulmein
DD Sazanami firing at RAF 224 Group Base Force
DD Oboro firing at Moulmein
DD Sagiri firing at Moulmein
DD Isonami firing at Moulmein
DD Usugumo firing at Moulmein
DD Shinonome firing at Moulmein
DD Fubuki firing at RAF 224 Group Base Force
DD Ikazuchi firing at Moulmein


The airfield at Moulmein is shot up pretty bad but there is no effect on Eastern Command's advance in Thailand.

As usual, the Allied bombers on naval attack in Burma and Thailand are unable to spot the IJN SAG either on the way in or the way out.



SWPAC:


I made the cardinal error of splitting my carrier forces deep in "Indian country". I thought that the IJN airgroups dispersed around Babeldaob, Guam, Saipan and Tinian were heavily attrited and disrupted by the previous 7-8 days of constant combat but StoneAge evidently staged in some fresh squadrons that were undetected by Allied recon. The USN CVE CAP over Ulithi was simply overwhelmed by repeated sweeps and some Bettys got through to put one fish each in BB Washington and BB South Dakota. South Dakota suffered minor damage of 5 SYS and 6 FLT but Washington with 6 SYS and 21 FLT will need some yard time. Its time to get all the USN TFs out of the Paulaus until a larger carrier air umbrella can be brought up.

Meanwhile a group of 8 CVEs that had previously suffered nearly 50% fighter losses in air combat over Woleai just left Rabaul to rejoin the fight after rebuilding their depleted air groups. Two of the CVEs upgraded from F4F-4s to Hellcats and another CVE received a VMF group with Corsairs.

7/30-7/31/43



SUBS


SS Tullibee is hit by 3 DCs from IJN convoy escorts near Toyohara.

SS Greenling sinks AK Mansei Maru by Siargao.

SS RO-69 is sunk by USN ASW TF near Ulithi.

SS Searaven sinks SC Ch-16 near Balikpappan.



SWPAC


StoneAge anticipated that SWPAC's next objective would be Yap....he sent a couple minelayers there but they were sunk by carrier borne SBDs....
presumably after depositing their mines.

Im finding it very difficult to maintain a long term presence deep in enemy waters in mid 1943 without the fleet train they had in late 1944.....the Allies simply dont have enough carrier borne fighters or even carrier ops to remain deep in enemy waters for more than 1 amphibious assault or 2 weeks at a time. Even with IJN carrier capability virtually destroyed the current Allied force of 5 USN carriers and CV Victorious along with about 10 CVEs cant stand up to virtually unlimited Japanese land based fighters in a battle of attrition. After the Ulithi operation my CVEs had fewer than 30% of their fighters left and had to be withdrawn to Rabaul to rebuild their air groups. The CVs not only have an issue with fighter attrition....but they seem to use up their carrier ops much faster in AE than in stock WitP.

Im pretty sure than the game engime counts a fighter escort sortie as an offensive op so when you bombard a land or naval target not only do you spend 50-54 ops fore the SBDs and TBFs but also another 15-25 for the fighter escorts. So 1 turn(2 days) of bombing an atoll could cost easil 150-160 ops ...and thats almost half of the carrier ops available on the Lex or Sara and about 1/3 of the ops available for a Yorktown Class CV. Combine that with a naval strike against a miniscule 1-2 ship minelaying TF and you start worrying about running out of carrier ops...and its a long way from Ulithi or Yap to Rabaul.

Thats why Ulithi will be so critical for the Marianas Offensive....CENTPAC will be using Ulithi as a source of both AC replacements and carrier op replenishment. As it stands now, I had to withdraw 3 CVs and all 10 CVEs after taking Ultihi to replenish AC and carrier ops for Yap. And after Yap I will have to withdraw ALL CVs and CVEs for replenishment before assaulting Babeldaob.

Recon show some 80 fighters and 100 Auxilliary AC at Babeldaob....StoneAge staged in fresh squadrons for the upcoming Battle of Yap and he will start sweeping the skiies over Yap as soon as USN amphibious transports arrive.

Today, 5th Air Force with General Kenney was activated at Sorong and 10th Air Force was activated at Biak.....with these 2 air HQs both bases are now over the "magic" 10 level that allows unlimited fight ops. Nearly 200 USAAF heavy bombers were staged into Biak and Sorong along with 2 squadrons of the brand new P-38Hs. The heavy bombers will level Babeldaob next turn with the P-38H flying as escorts. A squadron of P-38Gs was staged into Manokwari to sweep Babeldaob at 40,000 feet. After the airbase at Babeldaob is closed Yap will be invaded.



SHIPS


With BB Nevada and BB Arizona being torpedoed during the Naval Battle of Hollandia and BB South Dakota and BB Washington during the invasion of Ulithi,
the Allies are down to a handful of BBs. There are 3 RN "R" Class BBs guarding the buildup at Sorong. BB PoW, BC Repulse, BB North Carolina, BB Indiana,
BB Oklahoma and BB Pennsylvania are all that are available for both escort and naval bombardment at Yap.

In 1942 I had a 3 BB SAG escort a 25 ship transport TF to Batavia and a 2 BB IJN SAG sank all 3 USN BBs and then slaughtered the transport TF down to the last ship. If StoneAge is able to take a 4 BB SAG based around BB Yamato and defeat my Allied SAGs he could ravage the USN amphibious TFs and sink all the AKAs and APAs...that would literally cripple Allied amphibious capability for the remainder of the war.

BB Alabama just transited the Panama Canal and left Balboa today for Rabaul. BB Tennessee just completed repairs today at Bremerton Naval yard and is sailing out of Puget Sound for Pearl Harbor. BB Idaho will complete repairs at Pearl in 2 days and then she will join the fleet at Rabaul. All of these BBs will be need for the Marianas Campaign if not before.

The US Navy's 1st CVL...the Independence....left Rabaul last turn with the CVs to enter the fight.



8/1/43.......THE INTELLIGENCE SCREEN


Every 2 months StoneAge and I post all of our ship and AC losses and pilot totals. Here is a screenie of current point totals:

8/1/43



THE AIR WAR


Aircraft losses stand at 6407 Allied AC to 5944 Japanese AC.....about a 10% difference mostly due to Allied base suppression bombing.

In A2A, its 2313 Allied AC to 2610 Japanese AC.

Here is a screenie of the major Japanese AC losses:

8/1/43



THE AIR WAR.....CONTINUED


Ive attached a screenshot of Allied AC losses. Notably, C-47 losses have almost overtaken those of the P-40E and the next time I post these results in 2 months Im sure that the Skytrains will be in 1st place....and every single one was lost to ops.

Also notable is that SBD-3s suffered the 3rd highest losses.....over half of them to flak...and they represent nearly one third of total Allied AC losses to flak.

I don't understand why your opponent is not building Tojo's instead of Oscars. The Tojo is clearly a better plane, particularly compared to the Oscar Ic model.

One should never use dive bombers to attack air bases, unless willing to accept losses. USN & USMC did find that they are horribly vulnerable for flak. One could try to fly them at 16k, where they level bomb, when attacking air bases. Might be worth a try.

Port attacks against ships are different matter, but AF attacks are just too costly compared to benefit when using DBs.

cap_gown......I just compared the 8/1/43 Japanese AC losses to the losses as of 6/1/43......its interesting due to FoW.

The intell screen showed 864 A6M2 losses as of 6/1/43 and 671 A6M2 losses as of 8/1/43. For the Ki-43-Ic Oscar the intel screen showed 827 AC lost as of 6/1/43 and and 834 lost as of 8/1/43. So the FoW makes its tough to make an accurate assesment but my guess is that the vast majority of the Oscars were destroyed over the CBI in 1942 and early 1943. Im not facing Oscars very much now so any incremental losses in Oscars must be to ops during training.

Sardaukar.....I learned the hard way about SBD losses over land bases early in the war. I still use SBDs to help shut down CD guns(port attacks) and disrupt ground units during amphibious assaults but a high percentage of my SBD losses to AA have been in naval attacks. After the Naval Battle of the Marshalls where I had suffered about 50% SBD losses from all my carrier groups from attacking BBs I had to operate with understrength VS and VB
groups for several months until the more plentiful SBD-5s were available.




8/1/43



Here is a screenshot of the top Allied aces...this hasnt changed much from last time:

8/1/43



SHIP LOSSES


ALLIED


4 CV; 1 CVL; 1 CVE; 6 BB; 2 CA; 2 CLAA; 3 CL; 19 DD; 1 DE; 24 SS; 2 APD; 12 AP; 19 TK; 5 AO; 98 AK/AKL; 3 DMS



JAPAN


8 CV; 4 CVL; 3 CVE; 6 BB; 9 CA; 11 CL; 2 CS; 23 DD; 63 SS; 5 APD; 4 AP; 35 TK; 4 AO; 211 AK/AKL; 10 DMS; 102 PB/SC/E



Over the last month Japanese sub losses have ramped up due to the much more aggressive sub tactics StoneAge is using. Losses of surface ships has ramped up for both sides from the carnage suffered during the 5 day Naval Battle of Hollandia. Allied subs continue to take a heavy toll of IJN shipping and their escorts.




And finally here is a screenie of Allied pilot replacements. The quality of Allied pilots graduating from flight school continues to plummet with US Army pilots now worse that any other nationality with the exception of the Chinese.

ORIGINAL: AdmSpruance


And finally here is a screenie of Allied pilot replacements. The quality of Allied pilots graduating from flight school continues to plummet with US Army pilots now worse that any other nationality with the exception of the Chinese.

Do you have anyone in TRACOM?

8/1-8/2/43



SUBS


SS RO-60 is hit by 7 DCs from USN ASW TF at Woleai.

SS RO-60 is hit by another 6 DCs from USN ASW TF and sunk at Woleai.

SS I-153 is hit by 3 DCs from USN ASW TF off Sorong.



SWPAC


The USAAF 5th and 10th Air Forces.....based at Sorong and Biak....begin the aerial offensive to neutralize Babeldaob:


Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 35



Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 53
P-38G Lightning x 16
P-38H Lightning x 22
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
H6K4 Mavis: 3 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
P-38H Lightning: 2 destroyed

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



Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 79

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (4 airborne, 2 on standby, 9 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
204 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 10 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 10



Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 11
P-38H Lightning x 33


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
18 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 40000 feet
2 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
204 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes



Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 3



Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1
P-38G Lightning x 11
P-38H Lightning x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *
10 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (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 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
204 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 17
P-38G Lightning x 10
P-38H Lightning x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 damaged



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 20

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes



Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1
P-38G Lightning x 10
P-38H Lightning x 14


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *
10 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes


Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 18



Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6
B-24D1 Liberator x 60
P-38G Lightning x 13
P-38H Lightning x 12
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 64


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed on ground
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 damaged

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



Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 71

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
204 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Severe storms

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 5



Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2
P-38H Lightning x 12
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 2 damaged



Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/A with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000
Raid is overhead
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead
204 Ku S-1/C with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 1



Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 6
P-38G Lightning x 2
P-38H Lightning x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
H6K4 Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 4 damaged



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1/B with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 19000
Raid is overhead


Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 6
P-38G Lightning x 2
P-38H Lightning x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *



When the smoke clears there are only 17 Zeros left at Babeldaob out of 80 the day before and the airbase is 61% damaged.


Amphibious TF 86 rendezvous' with CVs, CVEs, Bombardment TF, escorting SAGs and refuels 80 miles to the SE of Yap. The 41st Division will hit the beaches at Yap tomorrow morning after a pre-dawn naval bombardment by BB Oklahoma, BB Pennsylvania and friends.