Matrix Games Forums

5-7 September 1943

The big news is Nashville made it to Port Hedland. She was only doing 1 kt at the end there from progressive flooding. Definitely a "whew" moment. The two CVE that were hit in the big carrier battle will make port at Luganville next turn. They are small enough to be able to be repaired in theatre.

IJN SCTF tangled with my PTs at Rennell Island sinking three of them for no hits in return. However, one CL hit a mine and is extremis between Rennell and Rabaul. September has been a good month. SO far I have sunk or disabled 3 BB, 2 CV, 1 CVL, 2 CA, 1 CL, and 4 DD. Not bad for not even 1/3 of the month gone by.

The other good news is with the last decrease in duds, my subs are wreaking havoc. I am average about 1.25 merchant vessels sunk per day so far in September.

8 September 1943

Only thing of note is a big deal. Musashi ate three TT. Two of those resulted in "severe flooding" criticals

9 September 1943

Three Kongos once again bombard Rennell Island doing moderate damage. That is off set by BB Musashi absorbing four more TT!!!. Once failed to penetrate. The ship is on the sunk list. This time I actually beleive that bit of information

10 September 1943

Well, Junyo made it out of the yard in the last few turns. Turn around and go back ye vermin. (FOW wants me to beleive she is sunk. That would be the third time she ended up on the sunk list only to come back. Only one TT hit and no critical. I think she'll make it)

11 September 1943

I sortied heavy surface forces to Renell Island to see if I can lure the IJN out. A sub missed Kaga (or another CV with FOW) just south of Rabaul. I moved 72 SBD onto Rennell Island plus about 130 fighters that are already there. I have two CVTF with 4 CV and 4 CVL (c200 fighters, 108 DB, 70 TB). You can see from the air losses this turn that the IJNAF attempts to penetrate the CAP didn't go well. We shall see

12 September 1943

Well, a lot of sorties were flown and a lot of a/c died. Net result was one TT hit on BB Maryland and one 1000 lb bomb hit on CV Taiho. I guess this was a draw but I some how feel I won. That is nearly 500 a/c lossses over two days for the IJNAF vs 300 for me. No a huge lopside loss ratio but still the right side of the ledger for me.

Also the numbers in the columns do notequal the totals on the right. I think the totals on the right are correct

With Enterprise coming out of the yard in less than a week and the Imminent arrival of Bunker Hill and another CVL, I can say at least that I can stand toe to toe with the IJN.

13 September 1943

The scales of game justice have rebalanced. I lost Enterprise and Lexington for a few months to TT damage. No my opponent has lost Junyo and Amagi. Although with the two "severe flooding" criticals, the latter may be a goner

14 September 1943

IJN SCTF built around four CA and two Cl bombards Rennell Island again after cutting through the PTs like a knife through butter. My CAGs are a mess with no where near enough trained replacements to make up for the losses recently incurred. I may need to start rotating the CVs out to rebuild the strength. No a/c lost on the ground in either this turn or the last; ergo unlikely Amagi sank

Note on future plans.

My orginal plan was to slowly work my way up the Solomons once the twin sisters of Rennell and KiraKira were built up. Larry's obvious willingness to through the kitchen sink at any move I make in the area slowed me down. Even though my attack groups took a beating in the last inconclusive carrier battle, to a point, that is is irrelevant. I need my carriers to provide CAP more than strike at the IJN CVs at this point. Once I get Auki and Russells built up, I will have two more unsinkable carriers that can cover my advance. At point the USAAF and USMC can take over while the USN pulls back to retrain for the beginning of the cross-ocean phase.

From e-mail comments from my opponent, I think the last carrier battle may have broken Japanese Naval Aviation's back. I am going to risk that is true and make a move on Auki (north tip of Florida Island). If I follow that up with a quick grab of the Russells, it may make the return of the IJN CVTF irrelevant as I will have several large bases to launch attack aircraft from by that point. Enterprise is out of the yard in 3 turns. Bunker Hill departs Balboa next turn with a CVL in tow. I have four more CVE near Pago Pago. I am going to mass these assets to try to blow through the Japanese defenses in the Southern Solomons.

Elsewhere on the Map I have a huge force in the Bengal region waiting for Monsson to end in one month. When that date hits, I will strike towards North Central Burma with about six division equivalents. That will leave a mark

15-26 September

Both sides pull back to rebuild their air groups after the last big CV battle. Kongos continue to hit Rennell Island every 3-4 days. Last visit, I saw them coming and pulled all the a/c out. Engineer take about three days to repair damage on average. With The Big E out of the yard (replacing the now withdrawn Vicorious), I decide to move on Auki. A Fast Tran TF will move a Kiwi CMD BTN in first hoping to get an occupation before the main force of an ID plus eng and AV support arrive a day later.

But first, I finally think I have my force aligned to meet the Kongos. I am sprinting my old BBs into Rennel (hopefully they will make it in one move phase). If they make it, the Kongos will find a hot welcome this time. Here's hoping

In China, Larry move over 4000 AS into Changsa in the last few weeks. A Deliberate attack about a week ago came off at 1 to 3 costing the IJA 14 k casualties vs 1500 for the KMT. I think the base will hold. I have about 1200 additional AS moving in from Chunking and Kweilin to reinforce. If I could move some supplies into China, I could make some noise as Larry has a tendency to concentrate his forces a lot.

Anxious for this turn to come back. As Gandalf said, "Its the deep breath before the plunge"

27 September 1943

No Joy. Larry must have caught wind of my heavy SCTF presence in the area. Instead he sent some bombers to deal with my BBs. Not a good day for the IJNAF.

IJN CVs are once again out WSW of Bougainville. Will they come South? Did the math: I have 150 fighters (mostly Juggs) at Rennell, 150 fighters (half Juggs/half P-40K) at KiraKira, and 294 F6F-3s at sea off KiraKira. That's a lot of fighters to try to punch a CV based strike through. I don't think I mentioned it but I offloaded the TBFs from all the CVLs and put a VMF on board with Hellcats in their place.

CV Bunker Hill and her CVL consort arrived at Hiva Oa this turn. A CVL arrives next turn at Balboa. That is it for about 60 days when another CVL arrives and Lexington leaves the yard at SD.

28 Spetember 1943

That played out about as I had planned it with the exception that my fighter losses were a little higher than I wanted. Larry parked his CVTF (three of them) 120 SSW of Munda (eight hexes from my CVs). What followed was the IJNAF impaling itself against a combined USSAF/USN CAP. With the exception of the Marine SBDs form Rennell that destroyed themselves trying to hit the IJN CVs, my attack planes were tehtered at six hexes. The reason for that is that I knew the only way they would try to attack the Japanese was if they came all the way down to within three hexes of Renell Island thus strethsing any support they would get from the fighters at Munda to the limit. So the USN happily sat back and let the IJN do its worst which was nothing - i.e. no hits.

The Auki force lands this turn. If I get an occupation comment in the end turn summary, I will send the real invasion force in next turn. I moved Bong's unit over from Oz to KiraKira - they will help support the Auki landings if they go. My hope is the IJN CVTF will withdraw with such severe losses. A SCTF made up of a bunch of IJN cruisers is spotted near Shortlands. I dispatched my own cruiser based force to Rennell to meet them if the come that far south.

AC losses over these two days were 300 to 140 roughly. With 60 of mine being the Marine SBD losses, it is really 300 to 80 of front line units. The Marines were not highly trained and can be replaced much more quickly than USN units as several VMSB are due for withdraw in the next few weeks. Anxious to see if Larry keeps pushing here or pulls back

29 September 1943

The Auki force got ashore in good order but did not occupy the base yet. I sent the full force anyway as the USN beat back the IJN surface forces during the night. IJN carriers are 80 miles from Rabaul.

Two SCTF tangle and the USN gets the worst of it. Image attached. However, the IJN then stumbles across the PT TF and they put a TT into both Furutaka and Tone. After all that interaction, the IJN still pushes through to hit Rennell - grr. The retreating TF bump into each other

Day Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 25,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 3
DD Shinonome, Shell hits 2
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
CA Chester
DD O'Brien
DD Walke

LBA and the US CVAir then go after the stragglers. I have had concerns from the get go that the DBB mods to air ordinance has overly nerfed the USN DB. I have not had much success at all hitting anything. These ships had no CAP and were damaged - ergo slowed. I had 29 SBDS record 1 hit - seems wrong. The B-25s, however, were their usual deadly selves putting 4 500 lb bombs into Jintsu and one into DD Isonami

Next turn will reveal how srtong my opponents response will be to the Auki landings.

30 September 1943

The Battle of the Solomon Islands

I was surprised to find out we had a carrier battle today. The IJN CVTF were retiring to Rabaul having just been bloodied fighting in the Coral Sea - at least the air groups were. Second image gives locale of battle NE of Auki.

The IJNAF strikes with eight AM strikes on the US CVTF for no hits. Severe storms in the hex likely affected both my CAP and the attackers accuracy

The First USN strike puts three 1000 lb into Chitose, one into Shokoku, and one into Zuikaku

The Second USN strike does this

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Haruna, Bomb hits 2
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 1
CVL Chitose, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Oyodo
DD Kishinami
CVL Chiyoda

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Chitose
Ammo storage explosion on CVL Chitose
Ammo storage explosion on CV Akagi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CV
Fuel storage explosion on CV Kaga


B-25s wipe out an ill fated LB TF at Lunga

Weather became a factor in the PM. The IJNAF launches several very weak stikes but do manage to put one bomb into BB Idaho. USN must not be able to find IJN CVTF due to weather. The cream a REPL TF sinking tow AO and unfortunately paste a convoy at Shortlands. I say unfortunately because the heavy CAP there is responsible for a lot of todays a/c losses.

Day ends with an unsuccessful Deliberate attack one hex east of Nanning and AUki being occupied.

I pull my CVTF back a little hoping I can get almost everything unloaded at Auki next turn

Locale

A/C Losses

1-4 October 1943

All the TF invlolved in the Auki operation are now approaching Luganville. Once there they will either take turns loading up units for the next phase or head bac to Noumea to pick up units down there. AUki is now Level 2.95 AB with Level 2 forts. Two P-47 sq are now there and Larry tried to sweep with Ki-44s. I lost a Jugg; he lost 22 Tojos to ATA comabt alone. Total A/C losses for the day were 40 to 2 in favor of the Allies. The back of the Japanese Air Forces has been broken. I will start upgrading my F4U sq to -1a version which will allow me to use them more. The servicablity rating on the orginal model made it hard to sustain operations with them.

I plan to hit Thousand Ships Bay and Russell Islands in rapid succesion starting in about a week. CV Bunker Hill with CVL consort is just south of Fiji. Every day I get stronger. Every day he gets weaker.

5 October - 27 November.

My life has been busy of late and I have struggled with some health issues; ergo, no posts here. That does not mean our game is not moving forward. One reason for lack of posts is lack of activity. I will update by AOO

NoPac

Not much going on here. Have devloped the western most Aleutian AB for harassment of the Kuriles.


SoPac

Here is where the work is being done. I have taken and built up Auiki, Rekata Bay, and Russel Islands. Lots of air activity here which has resulted in the abandonment of Munda by the my opponent. However, he continues to use LRCAP from Buin (Shortlands on map). This will be relevant in the next post.

SWPac

Air activity has been constant against PM, Buna, and Lae. I retook Tugula Island a week or so ago. Two turns ago I landed two INF BTN on Rossel Island. I was about to unload some ENG when I noticed some activity at Tarakina that looked like a SCTF was heading down to interfere. I toyed with keeping my unloading proceeding, but as I only had a CA based SCTF protecting the landing (Cursor intel said it was a BC based SCTF up north). So I ordered all the TF to d/c unloading and sent every one back to Oz. Then I thought differently. The IJNAAF had made an effort to interfere at Rossel and had taken some big losses on the 27th. Thinking the LBA threat was likely seriously attrited, I decided to move my CVTF to a point 6 hexes SSW of Tarakina. More on that move later

China

Larry is pushing hard at Changsha and has reduce the forts to 0. Her is pouring a lot of LBA into this campaign with often over 200 bombers hitting the base every day. I keep feeding replinished units down from Chungking but I am running out of units. I may have to pull back to the wooded terrain soon. This would mean ging up not only Chansha but the entire center section with open terrain.

Burma

I have moved 3800 AS down from Kelemyo and have taken Schweba. This has caused my opponent to break the siege of Myitkiyina. I am now moving that force forward toward Katha. I seems we will likely meet in the clear hex just NE of Schwebo. I have a unit almost ready to enter Ramree Island. Also a Chinese Army retook Lashio this turn

I normally don't like to repost entire combat reports but there is no way to possibly include everything without doing it. Let's start by saying I did not expect this battle. As I said above, I was hoping to pick off a BC or two with the possible additional benefit of atttriting down the IJNAF a bit more. What I got was a full fledged carrier battle. More like a full fledged carrier slaughter.

The report (redacted)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 28, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Rabaul at 106,128

Japanese Ships
DD Niizuki, Torpedo hits 1 (not a good omen for the IJN)
BB Haruna
CLAA Tatsuta
DD Teruzuki
DD Wakaba
DD Hatsushima

Allied Ships
SS S-45


SS S-45 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Niizuki
S-45 diving deep ....
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hatsushima fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Wakaba fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I sweep Munda which distracts the fighters based at Buin (Shortlands)

Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 6
Ki-84a Frank x 30



Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 11


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 6 destroyed



CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 21000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead
6th Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (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 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 28,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 10
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 39



Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 11


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

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
6th Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 21000 , scrambling fighters between 25490 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
902 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000
Raid is overhead
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 27000 and 29000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 2
Ki-84a Frank x 32



Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 2 destroyed



CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 21000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
6th Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000 , scrambling fighters between 25490 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 19



Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
22 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000 , scrambling fighters between 27000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 27000 and 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 29540 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 30000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 26000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 4



Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15


Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (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 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 35440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 1



Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
25 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 1



Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet

CAP engaged:
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 15


No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 30000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IJNAF strikes first. Some tense moments but no damge (other than one nuisance bomb hit on a BB)

Morning Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 107,135

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 12



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 154


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise



Aircraft Attacking:
5 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(20 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 14 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
18 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 107,135

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 8
N1K1-J George x 9



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 144


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak
N1K1-J George: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVL Independence
CVL Princeton



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 108,134

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 9
D4Y1 Judy x 5



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses



CAP engaged:
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 107,135

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 27
B6N2 Jill x 24



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 123


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 17 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 14 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 5 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Portland
CV Essex
CVL Belleau Wood
CV Yorktown II
CV Enterprise
CV Valley Forge



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 108,134

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 110 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 8
D4Y1 Judy x 13



Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 5 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 6 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CVL Cowpens
BB Alabama, Bomb hits 1 (oh, bother)
CL Birmingham



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 107,135

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 97 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 10
B6N2 Jill x 21



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 84


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 6 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 11 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown II
BB Washington



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 107,135

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 18
B6N2 Jill x 30
D4Y2 Judy x 16



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 66


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 5 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 16 destroyed, 3 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak
D4Y2 Judy: 4 destroyed
D4Y2 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Essex
CV Yorktown II
CV Valley Forge
CV Enterprise
BB Indiana
CVL Independence



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 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, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-25 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, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The USN opens up a can of whoopass
Morning Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 107,130

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 31
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 3



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 83
SBD-5 Dauntless x 56
TBF-1 Avenger x 77


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 16 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 4 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 11 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Amagi, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CV Unryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CLAA Tenryu, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yugiri, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
DD Harusame



Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
17 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet
7 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet
8 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet *
4 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet
2 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 25000 feet
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Akagi-1 with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
Chiyoda-1 with A6M5c Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
Amagi-1 with A6M5c Zero (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 25000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
66th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Unryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Amagi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CLAA Tenryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Yugiri


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 22
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 30
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 28
TBF-1 Avenger x 21


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 11 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 4 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Haruna
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
17 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
3 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
66th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 25000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M5c Zero (5 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carriers react to one another. Once again teh IJNAF strikes first for nothing to show for it.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 108,134

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 110 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 41 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 18
N1K1-J George x 25



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 82


Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 17 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 3 destroyed by flak
N1K1-J George: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise
CVL Belleau Wood
BB Indiana



Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 25000
Raid is overhead
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Treasury Islands at 108,134

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 92 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 9
D4Y1 Judy x 5



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 62


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 5 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CV Valley Forge



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

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-18 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-25 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead
VF-30 with F6F-3 Hellcat (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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rossel Island at 107,135

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 11
B6N2 Jill x 9



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 24


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 25000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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

Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war!!!!!!!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 16
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 29
SBD-5 Dauntless x 57
TBF-1 Avenger x 33


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 4 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 11 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 2, on fire (unlike WitP, the 1000 lbers penetrate the flight deck)
CVL Chiyoda, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Kaga
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Oyodo
DD Yuzuki
BB Haruna
DD Akebono
DD Hatsuzuki



Aircraft Attacking:
20 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
10 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
6 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kaga-1 with A6M5c Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(11 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
66th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Akagi-1 with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Chiyoda-1 with A6M5c 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 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Chiyoda
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Taiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Akagi
Fuel storage explosion on CV Akagi - uh oh
Ammo storage explosion on CVL Chiyoda


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,128

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 9
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 4



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 18
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 24
TBF-1 Avenger x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 2 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CLAA Tatsuta
CVL Chiyoda, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Wakazuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Junyo, on fire, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
6 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
66th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Kaga-1 with A6M5c Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Akagi-1 with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 19000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Taiho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Akagi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Chiyoda
Fuel storage explosion on CVL Shoho
Ammo storage explosion on CVL Shoho
Fuel storage explosion on CVL Shoho


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 107,130

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 9
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 9
Ki-84a Frank x 24



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 26
SBD-5 Dauntless x 27
TBF-1 Avenger x 13


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 10 destroyed
SBD-5 Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Amagi, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Unryu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Mochizuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Yugiri, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Harusame



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
2 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
6th Ku S-1/B with N1K1-J George (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 21000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
6th Ku S-1/C with N1K1-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
24th Sentai/C with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Shoho-1 with A6M5c Zero (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 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
Amagi-1 with A6M5c Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
64th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
203rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (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 26000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
66th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CV Amagi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Mochizuki
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Yugiri

So my figuring is:

Sunk

CVL Shoho
one DD

In Extremis

CV Akagi
CV Amagi
CVL Chiyoda
One CLAA

Seriously Damaged

CV Taiho
CV Unryu
CV Junyo
two DD

A/C losses for the day listed 28 Jills lost on the ground. That is more than Shoho carries; good possibility Chiyoda sank also. I realize it could be a much more significant victory but I wan to err on the side of caution