Matrix Games Forums

March 15, 44:

I only have the combat report so don't know the details, but an interesting day in the air. It appears I didn't get creamed at Hollandia as expected, but that's because my low sweeps didn't fly. It's probably a good thing they didn't, because Erik raised his CAP! Altitudes of the Japanese CAP were increased to 18k, 20k and 33k. I'm assuming the five squadrons of Corsairs were grounded due to weather and it's a good thing they did not fly. Losses would probably have been heavy against the high CAP, as my altitudes were set to 15k and lower. I think I dodged the proverbial bullet.

Despite the lack of sweeps, the CAP over Hollandia was far weaker than I expected. Unfortunately, only 14 Spitfires from two squadrons swept out of the 38 aircraft assigned to the mission. I'm not sure why. AAR follows:

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 5
A6M5b Zero x 7
A6M5c Zero x 2
N1K2-J George x 33
Ki-84a Frank x 44
Ki-100-I Tony x 20

Allied aircraft

Spitfire VIII x 38

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed
Ki-100-I Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Spitfire VIII: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:

11 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 31000 feet
4 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 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 18000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (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, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(27 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 11 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 19 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 28000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

Bad news for the bombers though, as they didn't face a degraded CAP and a large number of bombers were damaged. Despite Allied durability, the number of Ops losses being suffered is quite high. I won't know the true extent of the losses until I open the file. AAR's follow:

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 7
A6M5c Zero x 2
N1K2-J George x 29
Ki-84a Frank x 36
Ki-100-I Tony x 15

Allied aircraft

B-24D Liberator x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 27
B-24J Liberator x 42
P-38J Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses

N1K2-J George: 16 damaged
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-100-I Tony: 2 damaged
Ki-100-I Tony: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:

27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 50

Aircraft Attacking:

9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 33000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers

Matsunaga V. in a N1K2-J George makes head on attack ... forces B-24J Liberator out of formation

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 2
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 27
Ki-84a Frank x 29
Ki-100-I Tony x 13

Allied aircraft

B-24D1 Liberator x 4
B-24J Liberator x 25

Japanese aircraft losses

N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed, 21 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:

9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 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 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c 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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 21990 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 27900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 1
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 17
Ki-84a Frank x 18
Ki-100-I Tony x 4

Allied aircraft

B-24J Liberator x 14

Japanese aircraft losses

Ki-84a Frank: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:

7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 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 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c 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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 26990.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 13
Ki-84a Frank x 10
Ki-100-I Tony x 2

Allied aircraft

B-24D1 Liberator x 11

Japanese aircraft losses

N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D1 Liberator: 3 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:

8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet

Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 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 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (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 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 26990.
Raid is overhead

20th 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 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 20810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

Well, it could have been far worse, but hard to say with the Japanese changing their altitude settings. However, as mentioned in earlier posts, I most likely will not be sweeping low anytime soon. I still need to figure out how to achieve better than 1:1 in aircraft losses.

It's still back to the drawing board tomorrow for Allied air operations.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: Anachro

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

I've tried that too. The problem I've encountered is the low sweep gets chewed up, the next higher sweep performs average and the highest sweep comes last, but by then the CAP is degraded somewhat and there isn't much left to shoot.

In everything I've tried so far, the kill ratio is 1:1 or 1:1.5 at best. I'm not getting anything near 2:1, 5:1 or 10:1 unless the Zero is the only fighter on CAP.

I never do "all" sweep operations. Try sweeping with a similar number of fighters on LRCAP over the target. Might work. Worth a try anyways. I sweep with the high grade aircraft and LRCAP with whatever is left over. Even the P39 has about the same speed as a Tojo and can be useful if within range. But we play with different parameters. (25 K max altitude) so that may be a factor.

ORIGINAL: crsutton

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: Anachro

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

I've tried that too. The problem I've encountered is the low sweep gets chewed up, the next higher sweep performs average and the highest sweep comes last, but by then the CAP is degraded somewhat and there isn't much left to shoot.

In everything I've tried so far, the kill ratio is 1:1 or 1:1.5 at best. I'm not getting anything near 2:1, 5:1 or 10:1 unless the Zero is the only fighter on CAP.

I never do "all" sweep operations. Try sweeping with a similar number of fighters on LRCAP over the target. Might work. Worth a try anyways. I sweep with the high grade aircraft and LRCAP with whatever is left over. Even the P39 has about the same speed as a Tojo and can be useful if within range. But we play with different parameters. (25 K max altitude) so that may be a factor.

Never mind, I see you tried that. Just go high. It is all I can suggest.

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Never mind, I see you tried that. Just go high. It is all I can suggest.

I'm just frustrated. I certainly don't expect to walk all over the Japanese fighters, but I do expect to be competitive in the air. At 1:1 I am not, especially with the airframes I have. I think Erik's use of low altitude and the individual percentage settings of his squadrons on CAP...is a game changer.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Never mind, I see you tried that. Just go high. It is all I can suggest.

I'm just frustrated. I certainly don't expect to walk all over the Japanese fighters, but I do expect to be competitive in the air. At 1:1 I am not, especially with the airframes I have. I think Erik's use of low altitude and the individual percentage settings of his squadrons on CAP...is a game changer.

"Numbers have a quality all their own". I think the problem is you cannot coordinate enough fighters in a sweep to come out ahead over 225 enemy fighters, even if only half of them take part in the battle. Then there are your ops losses of damaged aircraft while he has none. I think you either have to bombard the base by sea or just avoid it altogether.

I have ordered an operation for tomorrow that may be considered unwise. [:D]

There has been a Japanese SCTF spotted near Sarmi and Hollandia for a few turns now. The mouse over indicates at least one heavy cruiser and nine ships in total. There are also three smaller SCTF's at Hollandia, one showing six destroyers and two more consisting of a small number of MTB's in each. I've decided to commit my carrier fleet to a naval air strike against Hollandia, where the enemy SCTF's are now based.

LBA will target Hollandia with fighter sweeps and bomber attacks against the airbase. As much LRCAP as I could assign will try to provide additional CAP, not only for my LBA, but the naval taskforces committed. Five CV's, 5 CVL's and 9 CVE's will launch strikes to try and catch the main Japanese SCTF. If they withdraw, I'll probably lose tons of naval aircraft attacking MTB's instead.

I've also ordered a SCTF of my own to strike at the enemy SCTF's at Hollandia. Four light cruisers and eight destroyers have been committed. The base is now mined, but I'll risk it. I need to stir the pot and not let Erik get comfortable placing his naval forces so close to my positions. The best case scenario would be if he tried a naval bombardment of my airbase at Hansa Bay this turn, but my gut tells me he's taking a defensive posture with these SCTF's to prevent me sending naval bombardments against Hollandia.

It could be a crazy turn, and of course I'm paranoid that I picked the same day as Erik will choose to raid with KB. Did I just offer up my carrier fleet on a silver platter? Will the Japanese SCTF stay at Hollandia? Is it a CAP trap or bait for a KB raid? Ah, the perils of playing this game. [8D]

I don't think Naval Attack missions will go after PTs unless they are set to strafe at 100'? Occasionally a search aircraft will attack PTs.
OTOH I vaguely remember some JFBs complaining about their Betties and Nells trying to torpedo MLs at Singapore - and MLs are similar to PTs except in speed.

I know I had my CVs on naval strike very close to a large concentration of IJN barges and they were not attacked despite good weather in both CV and target hex. BTW, I was not trying to get the barges with the naval strike - there were other IJN warships about, but they retreated into port out of range.

All about target recon ... higher the DL, better the attack will go and what it goes after ... who hasn't had AV's mistaken for CV's etc etc etc.

[&o][&o][&o]

I forgot to mention the possibility of taking on a strong Japanese CAP. Recon showed 68 enemy fighters at Hollandia after last turn, down from 225 two days ago. Will Erik reinforce with fresh groups for today?

I've ordered two sweeps of Hellcats from Merauke, two sweeps of P-47's from Hansa Bay and four sweeps of Corsairs from Madang. Altitude for all groups is 31k. Every B-24 that can fly is ordered to hit Hollandia's airbase, escorted by P-38's.

This is an all out effort to close Hollandia's airbase and sink those Japanese ships.

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

All about target recon ... higher the DL, better the attack will go and what it goes after ... who hasn't had AV's mistaken for CV's etc etc etc.

I hope you are right Tony. I've had my fair share of KB strikes against PT's in the past. I don't want a repeat performance with my carriers. With my luck lately, KB will show up and hitting MTB's will be the least of my worries. [:D]

CV John Wick will arrive in Suva today. If things go badly with my carrier raid, I'll still have five CV's in reserve, albeit four are damaged and repairing in Australia.

I can't wait to get CV John Wick into the fight and see if Erik picks up on the reference.

We've reached March 17th.

The Allied attempt to strike Japanese naval forces around Hollandia on the 16th fizzled big time. The air force did its job of suppressing the airbase, but the navy failed on all counts. The SCTF fell one hex short of Hollandia and no enemy taskforce were engaged. The carriers failed to make their allotted movement and weren't in position to launch any naval air strikes. It didn't matter though, as the Japanese heavy cruiser taskforce withdrew back to Sarmi and was out of range. On the day though, the Allies achieved almost 2:1 against the Japanese air defence. Both Hollandia and Sarmi were heavily damaged.

Allied submarines finally started getting some sinkings, but at a loss of two submarines. One to a sub on sub attack, the other to a Japanese E. I thought the E's had been toned done in patches? That doesn't appear to be the case, considering this is the first time I've encountered a dedicated ASW taskforce of E boats and they get a kill first crack at it. However, on the day three xAKL's, an AO and DMS are sunk on the Japanese side. I had a strange report of 65 George fighters destroyed on the ground and I'm not sure what to make of it. I wonder if it's possible that some of the xAKL's were transporting damaged George fighters from Hollandia. I don't see the bombers inflicting that many air frame losses on the Japanese from the replay.

I pulled the navy back to Milne Bay and will now switch gears and put the Darwin invasion in play. Recon now indicates four Japanese LCU's at the base, up from one a few days ago. I'm not fully prepped, but time is not on my side here and I've decided to go ahead. If anything, moving on Darwin will allow the Hollandia and Sarmi forces to reach 100% preparation in the meantime. Both bases are being reinforced, so I'll have to bring my A-game. Initially, I may not have enough troops to take either base outright in light of the recent reinforcement, but I plan on taking Vanimo and dropping off units prepped for other targets (without incurring disruption) to help out at Hollandia.

I will move against Hollandia and Sarmi in 30-40 days with the entire fleet. I'll be looking to bring the Japanese carrier fleet to battle during this operation.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

We've reached March 17th.

The Allied attempt to strike Japanese naval forces around Hollandia on the 16th fizzled big time. The air force did its job of suppressing the airbase, but the navy failed on all counts. The SCTF fell one hex short of Hollandia and no enemy taskforce were engaged. The carriers failed to make their allotted movement and weren't in position to launch any naval air strikes. It didn't matter though, as the Japanese heavy cruiser taskforce withdrew back to Sarmi and was out of range. On the day though, the Allies achieved almost 2:1 against the Japanese air defence. Both Hollandia and Sarmi were heavily damaged.

Allied submarines finally started getting some sinkings, but at a loss of two submarines. One to a sub on sub attack, the other to a Japanese E. I thought the E's had been toned done in patches? That doesn't appear to be the case, considering this is the first time I've encountered a dedicated ASW taskforce of E boats and they get a kill first crack at it. However, on the day three xAKL's, an AO and DMS are sunk on the Japanese side. I had a strange report of 65 George fighters destroyed on the ground and I'm not sure what to make of it. I wonder if it's possible that some of the xAKL's were transporting damaged George fighters from Hollandia. I don't see the bombers inflicting that many air frame losses on the Japanese from the replay.

I pulled the navy back to Milne Bay and will now switch gears and put the Darwin invasion in play. Recon now indicates four Japanese LCU's at the base, up from one a few days ago. I'm not fully prepped, but time is not on my side here and I've decided to go ahead. If anything, moving on Darwin will allow the Hollandia and Sarmi forces to reach 100% preparation in the meantime. Both bases are being reinforced, so I'll have to bring my A-game. Initially, I may not have enough troops to take either base outright in light of the recent reinforcement, but I plan on taking Vanimo and dropping off units prepped for other targets (without incurring disruption) to help out at Hollandia.

I will move against Hollandia and Sarmi in 30-40 days with the entire fleet. I'll be looking to bring the Japanese carrier fleet to battle during this operation.

Happy St. Patrick's day, and luck of the Irish to ye!
Will your SCTFs just outside Hollandia do a bombardment before withdrawing - seems a shame to go all that way and return with full magazines.

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Will your SCTFs just outside Hollandia do a bombardment before withdrawing - seems a shame to go all that way and return with full magazines.

No, my SCTF was withdrawn without firing a shot. With the whole operation a bust, I chose to limit anything else going wrong. In light of the heavy damage to Hollandia from the bombers, why risk having any of my ships hit a mine or getting torpedoed by an MTB.

March 17/44:

Disappointing turn for the Allies.

Numerous submarine attacks against Japanese E Boats, no hits.

I'd moved a squadron of Vindicators to Hansa Bay to try and attack the gaggle of small Japanese taskforces around Hollandia. The dive bombers sortie in both air phases, but in both cases weather prevented any attacks. There was no Japanese CAP over Hollandia or Vanimo, so the bombers would have had a clear run.

Allied B-24D1 attacked Sarmi again against light opposition, but damage to the field was light. I'm still destroying aircraft on the ground during these attacks, so the bombing is definitely wearing down the Japanese fighter strength.

Troops for the Darwin invasion are loaded and will sail tomorrow from Milne Bay. I'm going to cobble together a number of large taskforces and feint towards Hollandia to see if I can draw KB out. I'm obviously hoping KB is north of New Guinea and out of position to defend against a Darwin landing.

I spent some time during the turn reorganizing Allied supply and fuel taskforces. I'm adding new ports of call to reduce the turnaround times at Pearl, San Francisco and Suva.

There should be fireworks within a week at Darwin, and then the big moves against New Guinea are up next.

On a side note, I am unable to interdict any of Erik's transport missions removing troops from isolated bases. What am I doing wrong? Do you need to set CAP or LRCAP, and day or night missions? I've tried everything so far and not a single interdiction. It sucks that he's able to pull troops out so efficiently, yet I can't stop it. What is the magic trick to interdict transport planes these days?

As the Japanese, I know I have had transports intercepted many times trying to evacuate units or supply units. I can see them being intercepted in the operations report. I do not know how they show up on the allied side when you get an intercept. You might fiddle with the altitude. Set a group on LRCAP at high altitude and another low and see if that helps.

Wa

ORIGINAL: Andav

As the Japanese, I know I have had transports intercepted many times trying to evacuate units or supply units. I can see them being intercepted in the operations report. I do not know how they show up on the allied side when you get an intercept. You might fiddle with the altitude. Set a group on LRCAP at high altitude and another low and see if that helps.

Wa

Thanks Andav. I'll keep trying different altitude settings and mission types.

Thoughts:

I've been resting a number of fighter and 4E bomber groups in New Britain and New Guinea. Erik has all but withdrawn his fighters from Hollandia, Sarmi and Vanimo. I suspect he's replenishing airframes and pilots, as I am.

Two squadrons have upgraded to the P-47D25, which gives me a sweep range of 13 hexes. The P-38J's have performed well in escort and sweep roles at up to 16 hexes.

I've reduced bomber losses significantly. By cycling bomber groups between rest and flight operations, I'm able to sustain daily missions against Japanese targets. I need to get the 2E's more involved, but space is at a premium and basing the heavies forward takes priority.

To reduce the strain on the army fighters, I've been assigning more naval squadrons to sweep and escort roles. I have 600+ Hellcats in the pool. They might as well be put to use before the F6F-5 enters production.

The navy is in good shape despite the recent loss of one CV and damage to four CV's and 2 CVL's. A number of cruisers and destroyers need some downtime. A number of full speed runs and constant patrolling has taken a toll. Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney are repairing what they can, as quickly as they can.

The next week will be focused on the Darwin invasion and getting the logistics in place for the next big push.

Once the Darwin operation is complete and doesn't entail the loss of any carriers, I'll actively seek battle with the Japanese carrier fleet as a prelude to the amphibious operations planned for New Guinea.

Orders are away for the 18th.

I've ordered a large bombing raid against Hollandia. SigInt shows more and more units being deployed to Sarmi and Hollandia, and it's becoming harder to keep the bases suppressed. The P-47D25 will make its combat debut, sweeping Hollandia at long range from Lae. Not ideal, but I'd like to see how it performs at range.

Despite the growing enemy strength, I'm happy to see more troops being committed forward. It will be a tougher fight for both Hollandia and Sarmi then it would have been, say a month ago, but it also means I may be facing less opposition at Biak and Babeldoab. I plan on landing at these bases even before Hollandia and Sarmi are secured, but it depends on whether I can defeat the Japanese carrier fleet first. There isn't going to be anything pretty about my upcoming operations. It's smashmouth, in your face, try and stop me type stuff. Erik set me back months with his eight hex carrier strike, but if I can avoid a repeat and get to his carriers, lets see what happens.

I'm looking to severely maul the Japanese navy, using large scale amphibious operations to draw it out to battle.

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