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All the stuff on board my ships just unloaded, except the radars.  [&:]  Well, I guess thats good.  I've split the TF up so only the radar carrying AP is left, docked it, and am assuming that in their own sweet time that'll get unloaded as well.

Lots of Jap ASW activity, destroyers roam freely between Buna and Rabaul, taunting my inexperienced B26 bombers.  However things are about to get much worse for the Japs up here now my reinforcements have arrived at Port Moresby.  There are now three B26 squadrons, and the airfield will be a level 5 within a week.  Things will be painful then.

USS Sculpin was heavily damaged by depth charges off Buna, she's limping home.

USMC Air Wing is en route to Lunga, which currently bases fighters only, no teeth.  That will change, putting more pressure on in a couple of days.

I saw some Jap unloading going on at Shortlands, so I've ordered a SAG based around a heavy cruiser up there.  A little risky, but I pulled off a Shortlands raid before.   I also ordered CL Boise, on react, to nose around by Buna to see if I can get some revenge for Sculpin.  Thats even more risky, but I'm very cruiser rich at the moment so can take a risk or two.

The Japs are coming back over the Owen Stanleys towards Port Moresby, so I've stepped up efforts to eliminate the ones trapped at PM while they are cut off. There are 7000 ill supplied, tired Jap troops outside Port Moresby, which now sports divisional strength Allied forces, though ill trained Aussie militia counts for a lot of it.

So, today I started working on them again. Now the heavy guns are unloaded from the ships, things go quite well. An attack today supported by B17s from Australia inflicts over 1200 Jap casualties for ~200 Aussie casualties. A week of this and they will be no more, same orders for tomorrow.

Not sure I'll be able to get the Japs, todays result was much worse, 500 Japs for 300 Aussies.  My fatigue shot up as well, so I've switched to bombardment.

B26s are bombing his DDs still around the northern Solomon Sea.  They also bombed an AK at Buna, setting it well ablaze.  Presumably this is supply for his Owen Stanley Offensive Take Two.

Recon picks up a lot of shipping at Shortlands still, and ships disbanded into the port.  My cruiser force should hit it in a couple of days, I think they'll still be there by then, Shortlands is small, unload times will be high.  To add to the fun Dauntlesses have been moved up to Lunga, I want to get the bombs dropping.

September 17th

My cruisers raid Shortlands, their captain was poor and they actually buzzed the place in daylight, thus coming under Betty attack.  Though 4 betties was not enough.  However the Viking is no fool, the place was empty - by the amount of shipping that was there yesterday I think a deliberate evac, not fluke.

In New Guinea a major Jap resupply op is going on at Buna, I see multiple TFs, a dozen or so ships, DDs beyond.  I divert Boise up that way - very exposed but I like my raids and I know about Boise's 6" avalanche.  Also I move some Dauntlesses over there from Lunga, while moving more Dauntlesses to Lunga from Luganville.  The B26s have had day after day of failure even at 6000', Dauntlesses though... they are another matter. 

Done quite a few turns, it's September 25th now.

At sea the IJN have been all over me, due to subs.  CL Boise was torpedoed and sank off Milne Bay by one.  The crippled CV Enterprise, which was fixed on 67 major flot and limping home from Lunga, was torpedoed, hit 3 times, and immediately sank despite heavy escort and ASW patrols constantly around Lunga.  I have, however, sunk a couple of RO boats, one near Noumea and one near Rockhampton.  USN submarines have not done as well as IJN ones, but have scored a few tags, one AK has been sunk between Rabaul and Lae.

At Port Moresby he managed to evacuate his Japs, though they must have suffered about 75% losses.  My Aussies were just too tired to press home in time, his reinforcements eventually moved up and they managed to retreat, though not really in good order.  Port Moresby is now level 5, and B17s have been moved there.  Buna airfield is being plastered, though this being AE not the old WITP it's really tough even for B17s to actually close an airfield, even a tiny one.  One of my Airacobra squadrons upgraded to P40Es and moved up to Port Moresby, I pulled the Kittyhawks out as there are only 16 of them but 25 P40Es and the limit at PM is not aviation support but the 5 group limit, however the Warhawks, despite certain posts to the contrary round these parts, have proven completely useless against Zeroes.  They've been escorting my bombers to Buna, and despite a 2-1 numeric advantage have been massacred day in day out, the score is currently 9 to 0 in the Zeroes favour, and that doesn't count the damaged - in three days a 25 a/c squadron was down to 8 frames.  And this was meted out by a half dozen A6M2s.  [8|].  The Kittyhawks earlier in the campaign did much better oddly - odd as  the pilots are about the same quality.

I've finally moved up to and taken Tassafaronga.  There was no supply at all so it promptly folded, the Japs there are in the process of being eliminated.

Supply in the Australia side of the map is absolutely critical, and not because its in the wrong place, but because there simply isn't enough of it.  I have a lot of shipping sitting idle, yet my bases starve as there simply isn't enough supply arriving on the map.  I don't think my operational tempo is all that high here either, no offensives going on.  I think the situation is bad enough that it seriously hampers my ability to advance here.  Townsville was completely shut down for a week due to lack of supply.  Port Moresby has 5000, Townsville now has 2000, but even Sydney only has 5000.  Cooktown/Cairns have shut down totally.  There simply isn't enough supply.  I wonder if this is misjudgment or the tough love of reality.  I'm actually having to ship supply from Noumea, which is the only well stocked base on the map with 50k supply, to Port Moresby.

I found some naval support, problem is the Aussies have 0 in their entire OOB, only the USN baseforces have any.  There were two unused USN baseforces at Luganville, so I'm in the process of moving one to Port Moresby, and the other one to...

well,thats the interesting bit.    I don't think theres any more advance possible at the Port Moresby end.  I did entertain an overland march to Buna, but Buna is pretty much worthless far as I can tell, so who cares.  So instead I've plumped for Munda, in the middle of the Solomon chain.  A USN baseforce and a US army regiment are being packed up to be sent there, it's currently unoccupied.  The CVs will be sortieing in support, though it should be a very safe hop forward, as its in range of fighter cover from Lunga.  Lunga has no real offensive capability being a level 2 airfield, beyond divebombers, but what it does have are 50 Wildcats - a large number thanks to CV Enterprise's fighter complement being here, all crack USN pilots, the best the Allies have to offer.

October 6th.

Munda is mine. The Japanese did not contest the landing. My CVs ranged freely south of Rabaul, and attacked his ASW forces, but the only price exacted was 2 DDs, not much. His a/c at Rabaul must've been stood down, they didn't fly. I expected richer pickings, but as that was a secondary objective really, I'm happy with what I got.

Munda is garrissoned but it needs more engineers, so I'm moving up SeaBees from Lunga, whose job there is done now. My CVs are in the process of retiring as ammo and fuel are running low, but the leap to Munda is a small one and I think Wildcats will do a good enough job of holding off the enemy Betties, while CAs protect the convoys.

Sigint warned me of Japs preparing to hit Milne Bay, so I hastily found the fuel and the hulls to move an Aussie regiment, which had been slated for Milne Bay some time ago (mentioned in this AAR a while back) but not moved due to higher priorities. It will land at the base tomorrow.

Port Moresby, now expanded to an airfield 5, has been disappointing. My B17s over Rabaul have done very little but suffered fairly high losses (bear in mind that with a replacement rate of 10 per month any losses at all are quite the problem). My P40s I had to retire, because they were shot to crap and did no good whatsoever. I'm current consolidating. There are Liberators available now, and fresh B17 squadrons, so in time they will be rotated in. 5th Airforce HQ is also en route to Port Moresby, which will allow me to base considerably more squadrons there.

Here is the record of the "mighty" P40E. [8|] Note that they outnumbered the Zeroes 2 to 1 in every engagement they fought in.

Oh, that was the wrong screenie, that was the score as of a few weeks ago.

Here is the score now after their retirement.

October 11th.  Slow attritional warfare seems to be the name of the game at sea.  His subs cause a daily toll, hitting a high value target today, an AO holding a third of my available 'spare' fuel torpedoed and sunk just north of New Caledonia.  That hurts.

My unloading at Milne Bay has become a long, drawn out, bloody affair.  As its so near Rabaul I felt the need to provide heavy escort - so there are CAs and CLs present.   Betties and Zeroes raid daily, outnumbering the defenders (my Kittyhawk squadron there does fight but is ineffective, my Airacobras dont even take off!).  Clearly escorting is absolutely key in this game.  My Kittyhawks have never yet broken through to the Betties, and so he's getting 10-20 dropping every day.  Unfortunately for him its bombs not torpedoes, I guess Rabaul is low on supply, or not high enough anyway, so so far I've got away with it.  Hes bombing from 15k feet so not very effective.  I'm still not unloaded, even now, though I'm almost done.

Due to the sigint suggesting a Jap attack on Milne Bay i've amassed some surface forces in Townsville - not too many but a good half dozen cruisers.  Unfortunately they have no fuel (that replenishment TF he torpedoed was en route).

Munda is being built up but it's going to  take ages, SeaBees are being unloaded there atm.

And finally, last but not least, the first really significant heavy bomber raid of the campaign. JFBs despair, abandon hope all ye who enter here!  About 40-50 heavies hit Rabaul.  One big raid of 30, plus a few drips and drabs.  The results, for the first time yet, were excellent, making this the first airfield attack which I think was really painful for him.  27 Betties destroyed on the deck, 2 B17s lost for various reasons.  Their fatigue is very high, but not too many damaged/maintenanced yet.   Plenty of Zeroes, but they declined to engage.

i think the air HQ now at Port Moresby has made all the difference.

...I must note that its hardly the first heavy bomber raid of the campaign, its just the first one to actually do anything!  I think that like in WITP, concentration is key.  Unlike in WITP, concentration is very difficult.

Never let it be said that I don't have at least a vague plan...

By the time the red assaults happen I should have most of my damaged CAs back into the fray. BB Washington should be ready for the white, her ETA to be fixed is 7 days at the moment.

The only problems, as I see it, is that Lunga is going to be stripped of ground forces, and the Japs naval power is much greater than it was, they've received significant reinforcement by now, including CVs. That said I think my own CVs still have the edge.

Sigint is still suggesting a Japanese attack on Milne Bay, be interesting what sort of timescale that will be happening in. Milne Bay has no offensive capability being an airfield 1, so if it falls I'll let it slide, though I do plan on contesting any landings for sake of attrition of the IJN.

CA Canberra was just sunk on the way back from Lunga after being torpedoed, another sub put three fish into her.  Decisive.

I think it's an apt point to look at the sub war.  It's notable for damaging a lot of high value Allied assets - but on the other hand my aggressive ASW does seem to pay off in the long run.

Allied losses to submarines :

CV Enterprise (she was badly hit by carrier air before a sub got her)
CA Canberra
CL Boise
DD Blue
AMC Manoora
AO Cuyana
1 x SC
5 x AK
3 heavy cruisers damaged in Sydney
1 heavy cruiser sent home and out of the scenario though not the war
1 APD sent home and out of the scenario though not the war

Japanese losses to Allied subs
1 APD
1 DD
1 PC
1 PG
(says it all really, not much Jap shipping to hit!)

Japanese sub losses
9 subs - 1 by a bomb, the rest from depth charges

Allied sub losses
3 subs - depth charged

Quiet again.

There have been some moans in this AAR about supply or the lack thereof, well, I think this screenshot is very illuminating as regards to just how screwed I am - and its not due to problems convoying, but due to problems of there being no beans and bullets to convoy in the first place.

The screenshot is a little disingenuous as theres a 45,000 supply point convoy headed for Townsville, which will be partially distributed to Port Moresby/Milne Bay.

I've not even really been doing much, about 10 sorties a day of B17s, the usual searches and feeding of marines.

Transport is not a problem, I got ships sitting idle. Shame I can't send some to the West Coast. [;)]

October 19th.  Last couple of days have been ugly.  Betties escorted by Zeroes hit my units at Munda in the process of unloading a marine CD detachment.  Wildcats are on LRCAP.  Some raids get through, some don't, 8 Betties are shot down, but an AKL and an AM are blown out of the water and CL Hobart takes two torpedoes.  To my surprise she's "only" on about 60 flot.  There isn't even a pier at Munda though, and subs all around, so it looks bad.

Elsewhere he insists on patrolling with DDs around Buna, hunting subs.  Dauntlesses from Port Moresby rip into him over two days, sinking (I think) 3 DDs and damaging one more.

A single Jap heavy ship is sighted near Munda.  What is that?  [&:]

P38s are here, but I got no supply so can't upgrade.  Some P40s are skipping across the map to Noumea, the only base where upgrades are possible. 

October 23rd. A major Japanese attack seems to be developing. Busy day, Tulagi is buzzed in the night by a big SAG - CLs and DDs - but the 4 DD ASW TF there manage to evade. by daytime the Japs have gone.

Theres a huge thrust aimed at Milne Bay as expected, his transports are a bit ahead of the support it seems. Dauntlesses moved to PM the other day (gotta love sigint, it was significant here) scramble and hit two troops laden APs.

A 12 ship SAG based around BB Washington has been ordered to sortie for a night encounter at Milne Bay hopefully, Rear Admiral Scott (highly competent, fairly aggressive) in command.

The CVs are some distance behind, having left Noumea yesterday. There are P38s at Townsville now but in the process of being uncrated. Another heavy bomber squadron is removed from Port Moresby, swapped for P40s.

Milne Bay has 287 AV, so not inconsequential, but is quite low on supply - as is everywhere on the map to be fair. I've already begun an aerial supply effort but they will fall without a relief convoy.

Oh my christ.  bottom line : 26 Jap ships sunk.

Washington's SAG hit in the night and meted out slaughter.  Allied radar proved decisive (maybe too decisive), three engagements, Allied surprise every time.  That said visibility was exceptional so for a night battle it was conducted at long range, around 10,000 yards after the initial rounds.  BB Washington, unusual for a BB, earned her keep. 

However the slaughter hit unloaded transports, the loaded ones were not attacked.

Then during the day there was a carrier battle, involving LBA as well.  If I were you and you're playing a game, house rule skip bombing.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Oct 25, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 33,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Hayashio, Shell hits 9,  heavy fires
      DD Maikaze, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
      DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
      xAK Venice Maru, Shell hits 6,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Wales Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
      xAK Meiyo Maru, Shell hits 13,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Kasyu Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
      xAK Aden Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
      xAK Atlantic Maru, Shell hits 6,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Karachi Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
      xAK Tokusima Maru, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
      xAK Tamahoko Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
      xAK Nittai Maru, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
      xAKL Hachirogata Maru, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
 
Allied Ships
      BB Washington
      CA Salt Lake City
      CA Astoria, Shell hits 2
      CL Achilles
      CLAA San Juan
      DD Ellet
      DD Wilson
      DD Selfridge
      DD Phelps
      DD Balch
      DD Clark
      DD Arunta
      DD Warramunga, Shell hits 2,  heavy fires
 
Japanese ground losses:
      45 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
 
 
 
Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Improved night sighting under 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 96% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 35,000 yards
Range closes to 33,000 yards...
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 33,000 yards
BB Washington fires at DD Shiratsuyu at 33,000 yards
BB Washington fires at xAK Nittai Maru at 33,000 yards
BB Washington fires at xAK Tamahoko Maru at 33,000 yards
Range closes to 31,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Karachi Maru at 31,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Karachi Maru at 28,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 28,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Venice Maru at 28,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 28,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards
DD Arunta collides with DD Warramunga at 101 , 133
xAK Karachi Maru sunk by CA Astoria at 25,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 25,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Nittai Maru at 25,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 25,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Atlantic Maru at 25,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 25,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
BB Washington engages DD Maikaze at 21,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 21,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Nittai Maru at 21,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Wales Maru at 21,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
DD Shiratsuyu engages BB Washington at 20,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages CA Astoria at 20,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Nittai Maru at 20,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAK Nittai Maru at 20,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Clark at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 17,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 17,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Maikaze at 17,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Nittai Maru at 17,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Atlantic Maru at 17,000 yards
DD Balch engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 17,000 yards
DD Clark engages xAK Wales Maru at 17,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Shiratsuyu at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 15,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Maikaze at 15,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 15,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAK Tamahoko Maru at 15,000 yards
DD Shiratsuyu engages DD Warramunga at 15,000 yards
DD Arunta engages DD Shiratsuyu at 15,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Clark at 15,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Wales Maru at 15,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Ellet at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Shiratsuyu at 12,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Nittai Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Hayashio at 12,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Atlantic Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Arunta engages DD Maikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Balch at 12,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Wales Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Shiratsuyu at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Astoria engages DD Maikaze at 8,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Maikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages xAK Nittai Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Wilson engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Maikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Aden Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Clark at 8,000 yards
DD Ellet engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Wales Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Venice Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Maikaze at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Washington engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 11,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Nittai Maru at 11,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Nittai Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Maikaze at 11,000 yards
DD Balch engages xAK Aden Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Shiratsuyu at 11,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Selfridge at 11,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Maikaze at 13,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Hayashio at 13,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAK Nittai Maru at 13,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages xAK Wales Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Shiratsuyu at 13,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Venice Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Shiratsuyu at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Warramunga at 14,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Warramunga at 14,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Atlantic Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Aden Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Balch engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Balch at 14,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Phelps at 14,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Hayashio at 14,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Wilson at 14,000 yards
DD Shiratsuyu engages DD Phelps at 14,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Ellet at 14,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Nittai Maru at 14,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages DD Maikaze at 14,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Warramunga at 14,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Aden Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Balch at 14,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Wales Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Venice Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Ellet at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Shiratsuyu at 13,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Atlantic Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Arunta at 13,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Hayashio at 13,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Venice Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Wilson engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 13,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Hayashio at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Shiratsuyu at 10,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Maikaze at 10,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Nittai Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Maikaze at 10,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Aden Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Clark at 10,000 yards
DD Balch engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Maikaze engages DD Phelps at 10,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Shiratsuyu at 10,000 yards
DD Phelps engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
xAK Wales Maru sunk by BB Washington at 8,000 yards
CA Astoria engages DD Hayashio at 8,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Aden Maru at 8,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Ellet engages xAK Aden Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Shiratsuyu engages DD Arunta at 8,000 yards
DD Clark engages xAK Aden Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Shiratsuyu at 8,000 yards
DD Shiratsuyu sunk by BB Washington at 8,000 yards
CA Astoria engages DD Hayashio at 8,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Clark engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages xAK Kasyu Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Venice Maru at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 9,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAKL Hachirogata Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Warramunga at 9,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Tokusima Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Clark at 9,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Balch at 9,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Hayashio at 9,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Hayashio at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Clark at 11,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Nittai Maru at 11,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Atlantic Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Arunta engages xAK Venice Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Warramunga at 11,000 yards
xAK Nittai Maru sunk by DD Arunta at 11,000 yards
DD Hayashio engages DD Selfridge at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Astoria engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages xAK Meiyo Maru at 10,000 yards
xAKL Hachirogata Maru sunk by DD Warramunga at 10,000 yards
DD Arunta engages DD Hayashio at 10,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Hayashio at 10,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Hayashio at 10,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Hayashio at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tulagi  at 114,137
 
Japanese Ships
      SS I-24
 
Allied Ships
      DD Helm
 
 
 
DD Helm fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Helm fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Helm fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Helm fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 30,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CL Kashima
      CL Kashii
      DD Yugure
      DD Murakumo
      E Tachikaze
 
Allied Ships
      DD Arunta
 
 
 
Improved night sighting under 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 89% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 28,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
Range closes to 22,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 22,000 yards...
Range increases to 23,000 yards...
Range increases to 30,000 yards...
Allied Escort TF evades combat
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 23,000 Yards
 
Japanese aircraft
      no flights
 
Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses
 
Japanese Ships
      CL Kashima, Shell hits 12,  heavy fires
      CL Kashii, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
      DD Yugure, Shell hits 15,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Murakumo, Shell hits 20, and is sunk
      E Tachikaze
 
Allied Ships
      BB Washington, Shell hits 3
      CA Salt Lake City
      CA Astoria
      CL Achilles
      CLAA San Juan, Shell hits 1
      DD Ellet
      DD Wilson
      DD Selfridge
      DD Phelps
      DD Balch
      DD Clark
      DD Warramunga, Shell hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
 
 
Improved night sighting under 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 89% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 35,000 yards
Range closes to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 23,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City fires at DD Murakumo at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashii at 16,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages CA Salt Lake City at 16,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CL Kashii at 16,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Murakumo at 16,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Selfridge at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashii at 13,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages CL Kashii at 13,000 yards
CL Kashii engages CL Achilles at 13,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Tachikaze at 13,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Murakumo at 13,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Phelps at 13,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Selfridge at 13,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Wilson at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashii at 10,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 10,000 yards
DD Yugure engages CL Achilles at 10,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages E Tachikaze at 10,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Balch at 10,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Ellet at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Kashii engages CA Astoria at 6,000 yards
CL Kashii engages CA Astoria at 6,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Phelps at 6,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Warramunga at 6,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Tachikaze at 6,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Murakumo at 6,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Yugure at 6,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Wilson at 6,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Murakumo at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashii at 10,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 10,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Murakumo at 10,000 yards
CL Kashii engages CL Achilles at 10,000 yards
CL Kashii engages CLAA San Juan at 10,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Warramunga at 10,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Phelps at 10,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Selfridge at 10,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Wilson at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashii at 12,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashii at 12,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages E Tachikaze at 12,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Selfridge at 12,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Ellet at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 15,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Astoria at 15,000 yards
CL Kashii engages CA Salt Lake City at 15,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CL Kashii at 15,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Warramunga at 15,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Yugure at 15,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Phelps at 15,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Murakumo at 15,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Wilson at 15,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Ellet at 15,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashii at 20,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Balch at 20,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Yugure at 20,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Warramunga at 20,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Clark at 20,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Balch at 20,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Selfridge at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashii at 23,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages CL Kashii at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 26,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashii at 25,000 yards
Mikawa, G. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 23,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 19,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages CL Kashii at 19,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Murakumo at 19,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Wilson at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Astoria at 15,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages CL Kashii at 15,000 yards
CL Achilles engages DD Yugure at 15,000 yards
CLAA San Juan engages CL Kashima at 15,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Warramunga at 15,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Balch at 15,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Wilson at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Phelps at 12,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Yugure at 12,000 yards
CL Kashii sunk by CLAA San Juan at 12,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Murakumo at 12,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Murakumo at 12,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Balch at 12,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Wilson at 12,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Ellet at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 10,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashima at 10,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Salt Lake City at 10,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CL Achilles at 10,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CLAA San Juan at 10,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Murakumo at 10,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Yugure at 10,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Yugure at 10,000 yards
Mikawa, G. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 8,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Selfridge at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Yugure at 8,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Tachikaze at 8,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CLAA San Juan at 8,000 yards
DD Warramunga engages DD Murakumo at 8,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Yugure at 8,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Murakumo at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 11,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Astoria at 11,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Selfridge at 11,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Tachikaze at 11,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Murakumo at 11,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages DD Murakumo at 11,000 yards
Mikawa, G. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CL Achilles at 14,000 yards
CA Astoria engages DD Murakumo at 14,000 yards
CL Achilles engages CL Kashima at 14,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Warramunga at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
BB Washington engages CL Kashima at 17,000 yards
DD Murakumo engages DD Warramunga at 17,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Tachikaze at 17,000 yards
DD Balch engages DD Murakumo at 17,000 yards
DD Yugure engages DD Selfridge at 17,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Murakumo at 17,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Yugure at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Astoria at 21,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Salt Lake City at 21,000 yards
CL Kashima engages DD Ellet at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
CL Kashima engages CA Salt Lake City at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
CA Astoria engages CL Kashima at 25,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Tachikaze at 25,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Range increases to 32,000 yards
Range increases to 34,000 yards
Task forces break off...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 20,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Oyashio, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
      DD Nowaki, Shell hits 22, and is sunk
      E Hatakaze, Shell hits 2
      xAKL Hagoromo Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
      xAKL Noshiro Maru #2, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
      xAKL Rokko Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
      xAKL Takunan Maru #8, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
      xAKL Kantori Maru, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
      xAKL Koei Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
      xAKL Shinko Maru #2, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
      xAK Uyo Maru, Shell hits 28, and is sunk
 
Allied Ships
      BB Washington, Shell hits 7,  on fire
      CA Salt Lake City
      CA Astoria, Shell hits 2
      CL Achilles, Shell hits 1
      DD Ellet
      DD Wilson
      DD Selfridge
      DD Phelps
      DD Balch, Shell hits 2,  heavy fires
      DD Clark
 
Japanese ground losses:
      Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)
      Vehicles lost 62 (22 destroyed, 40 disabled)
 
 
 
Improved night sighting under 89% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 89% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 35,000 yards
Range closes to 32,000 yards...
Range closes to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 26,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 20,000 yards...
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 20,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City fires at xAKL Koei Maru at 20,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City fires at xAKL Kantori Maru at 20,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City fires at xAKL Takunan Maru #8 at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages BB Washington at 17,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages BB Washington at 17,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 17,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Clark at 17,000 yards
xAKL Takunan Maru #8 sunk by BB Washington at 17,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Wilson at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
BB Washington engages DD Nowaki at 14,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages CA Astoria at 14,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 14,000 yards
DD Wilson engages xAKL Koei Maru at 14,000 yards
CL Achilles engages xAKL Kantori Maru at 14,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Ellet at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
xAKL Koei Maru sunk by BB Washington at 11,000 yards
DD Clark engages xAKL Kantori Maru at 11,000 yards
DD Ellet engages DD Oyashio at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Nowaki at 7,000 yards
DD Clark engages DD Oyashio at 7,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages DD Nowaki at 7,000 yards
DD Wilson engages xAKL Shinko Maru #2 at 7,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Balch at 7,000 yards
xAKL Noshiro Maru #2 sunk by DD Wilson at 7,000 yards
DD Wilson engages DD Oyashio at 7,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Ellet at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
BB Washington engages DD Nowaki at 5,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAK Uyo Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Wilson engages xAK Uyo Maru at 5,000 yards
xAKL Kantori Maru sunk by DD Clark at 5,000 yards
xAKL Rokko Maru sunk by DD Wilson at 5,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Selfridge at 5,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Wilson at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Balch at 2,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Wilson at 2,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 2,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages xAK Uyo Maru at 2,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Balch at 2,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Selfridge at 2,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Ellet at 2,000 yards
DD Oyashio engages DD Balch at 2,000 yards
DD Nowaki sunk by CA Salt Lake City at 2,000 yards
DD Oyashio sunk by DD Phelps at 2,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages xAK Uyo Maru at 2,000 yards
Scott, N. orders Allied TF to disengage
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 2,000 yards
CA Astoria engages E Hatakaze at 2,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Hatakaze at 2,000 yards
CL Achilles engages E Hatakaze at 2,000 yards
xAK Uyo Maru sunk by DD Selfridge at 2,000 yards
xAKL Hagoromo Maru sunk by DD Wilson at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 8,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages xAKL Shinko Maru #2 at 8,000 yards
CL Achilles engages E Hatakaze at 8,000 yards
DD Phelps engages xAKL Shinko Maru #2 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 13,000 yards
CL Achilles engages E Hatakaze at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 17,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 17,000 yards
CA Astoria engages E Hatakaze at 17,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Hatakaze at 17,000 yards
DD Wilson engages xAKL Shinko Maru #2 at 17,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CL Achilles engages E Hatakaze at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
CA Astoria engages E Hatakaze at 27,000 yards
Range increases to 35,000 yards
Task forces break off...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      xAK Sagami Maru
      xAK Tangyang Maru
      DD Tokitsukaze
 
 
 
xAK Sagami Maru firing at enemy troops
xAK Tangyang Maru firing at enemy troops
DD Tokitsukaze firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay
 
18 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      APD-35
      APD-34
      APD-2
      APD-1
 
Japanese ground losses:
      26 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
 
APD-35 firing at enemy troops
APD-34 firing at enemy troops
APD-2 firing at enemy troops
APD-1 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay
 
TF 64 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133
 
Japanese ground losses:
      116 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)
 
 
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay
 
16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Murasame
 
Japanese ground losses:
      12 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
 
DD Murasame firing at 7th Australian/25th Brigade
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay
 
TF 76 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133
 
Japanese ground losses:
      Guns lost 19 (1 destroyed, 18 disabled)
 
 
 
81mm Mortar lost overboard during unload of 3rd Mortar Bn
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Milne Bay
 
29 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      APD-46
 
Japanese ground losses:
      17 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
 
 
 
APD-46 firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Milne Bay
 
TF 77 troops unloading over beach at Milne Bay, 101,133
 
Japanese ground losses:
      32 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
      Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
 
 
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      xAKL Heiwa Maru
      xAK Nitiren Maru
      DD Harusame
 
 
 
7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at xAKL Heiwa Maru
xAKL Heiwa Maru firing at enemy troops
xAK Nitiren Maru firing at enemy troops
DD Harusame firing at enemy troops
xAKL Heiwa Maru firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay
 
13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      APD-46
 
 
 
7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at APD-46
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      APD-35
      APD-34
      APD-2
      APD-1
 
 
 
7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at APD-35
7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at APD-34
7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at APD-2
7th Australian/25th Brigade firing at APD-1
APD-35 firing at enemy troops
APD-2 firing at enemy troops
APD-1 firing at enemy troops
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Deboyne Islands at 103,134, Range 25,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      E Hatakaze, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
 
Allied Ships
      BB Washington
      CA Salt Lake City
      CA Astoria
      CL Achilles
      DD Ellet
      DD Wilson
      DD Selfridge
      DD Phelps
      DD Balch
      DD Clark
 
 
 
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 30,000 yards
Range closes to 33,000 yards...
Range closes to 31,000 yards...
Range closes to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 25,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 25,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
BB Washington engages E Hatakaze at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Hatakaze at 16,000 yards
CL Achilles engages E Hatakaze at 16,000 yards
DD Clark engages E Hatakaze at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Hatakaze at 12,000 yards
CA Salt Lake City engages E Hatakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Clark engages E Hatakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages E Hatakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Ellet engages E Hatakaze at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL Achilles engages E Hatakaze at 9,000 yards
DD Wilson engages E Hatakaze at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
DD Phelps engages E Hatakaze at 11,000 yards
DD Selfridge engages E Hatakaze at 11,000 yards
E Hatakaze sunk by DD Ellet at 11,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Buka  at 107,128
 
Japanese Ships
      DD Minegumo
      DD Hamakaze
      DD Yukikaze
      DD Naganami
 
Allied Ships
      SS S-44, hits 2
 
 
 
DD Minegumo fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hamakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yukikaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hamakaze attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yukikaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hamakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Goodenough Island  at 102,130
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Furutaka
      CL Sendai
      E Akikaze
      DD Ushio
      DD Yugiri
      DD Asagiri
      DD Ayanami
 
Allied Ships
      SS Gato, hits 5
 
 
 
Gato bottoming out ....
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ushio fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ushio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yugiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby  at 97,135
 
Japanese Ships
      SS RO-33
 
Allied Ships
      DD Arunta
 
 
 
SS RO-33 is sighted by DD Arunta
SS RO-33 launches 2 torpedoes
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Goodenough Island at 102,130
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 25
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Kittyhawk IA x 5
      P-40E Warhawk x 3
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 6
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
      P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
      SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      CV Junyo
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 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 10000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
      6 planes vectored on to bombers
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
      7 planes vectored on to bombers
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 1
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      B-17E Fortress x 16
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      xAK Tatumiya Maru
      AMC Nosiro Maru
      xAK Sagami Maru
      xAK Kasuga Maru #2
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
               Naval Attack:  8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
       7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
               Naval Attack:  8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
       3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
               Naval Attack:  8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Goodenough Island at 102,130
 
Weather in hex: Severe storms
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 23
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Kittyhawk IA x 5
      B-17E Fortress x 6
      P-40E Warhawk x 6
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
      B-17E Fortress: 6 damaged
      P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
      CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 14,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
 
Christ.  I wouldn't do this in a GC, but I had to test it out.
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x B-17E Fortress attacking from 100 feet
               Naval Attack:  8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
       3 x B-17E Fortress attacking from 100 feet
               Naval Attack:  8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      6 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (11 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      11 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 101,133
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 2
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 12
      SBD-3 Dauntless x 86
      TBF-1 Avenger x 45
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged
      TBF-1 Avenger: 9 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      APD-34, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
      xAK Ryoka Maru, Bomb hits 1
      xAK Nitiren Maru
      xAK Tatumiya Maru, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires
      xAK Asahisan Maru, Bomb hits 7,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Yasukawa Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
      xAK Yamahagi Maru, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
      DD Makinami
      APD-46, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
      xAK Kamikaze Maru, Bomb hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Kasuga Maru #2, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
      AMC Nosiro Maru, Bomb hits 5,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAK Nissyu Maru, Bomb hits 6,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      APD-2, Bomb hits 1,  heavy fires
      xAK Takaoka Maru, Bomb hits 2,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      xAKL Heiwa Maru
      APD-35, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
      DD Kazegumo
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
      15 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
      12 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
      15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
      15 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
      15 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
      15 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
               Naval Attack:  2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
      15 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
      14 x SBD-3 Dauntless diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
      15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
 
CAP engaged:
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
DI-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
 
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Tatumiya Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Asahisan Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Yamahagi Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APD-34
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kamikaze Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kasuga Maru #2
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Nissyu Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APD-2
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Yasukawa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APD-46
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Nosiro Maru
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 100,138
 
Weather in hex: Overcast
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 12
      B5N1 Kate x 12
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 74
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
      B5N1 Kate: 6 destroyed
 
 
 
 
CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 14 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 28300.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
      29 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
      9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
      14 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Goodenough Island at 102,130
 
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 10
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      Kittyhawk IA x 4
      B-17E Fortress x 3
      P-40E Warhawk x 1
 
 
No Japanese losses
 
Allied aircraft losses
      Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
      B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
      BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 4
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       2 x B-17E Fortress attacking from 100 feet
               Naval Attack:  8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
EII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      1 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead
3rd Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 8000.
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
      1 planes vectored on to bombers
DII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
CII-1 Daitai with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      2 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Raid is overhead
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 99,135
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 11
      D3A2 Val x 18
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
      D3A2 Val: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      CLAA San Juan
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       4 x D3A2 Val diving from 2000'
               Naval Attack:  1 x 250 kg AP Bomb
 
CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      8 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
      2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      3 plane(s) intercepting now.
      Group patrol altitude is 15000
      Raid is overhead
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Milne Bay at 98,136
 
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
 
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes
 
Japanese aircraft
      A6M2 Zero x 7
      B5N2 Kate x 9
 
 
 
Allied aircraft
      F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
 
 
Japanese aircraft losses
      A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
      B5N2 Kate: 5 destroyed
 
Allied aircraft losses
      F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
 
Allied Ships
      CA Astoria
 
 
 
Aircraft Attacking:
       3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
               Naval Attack:  1 x 45cm T91 Mod 3 Torp
 
CAP engaged:
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (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 15000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-8 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
      (8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
      0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
      Group patrol altitude is 10000
      Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
      4 planes vectored on to bombers
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Port Moresby  at 97,135
 
Japanese Ships
      SS RO-33
 
Allied Ships
      DD Arunta
 
 
 
SS RO-33 launches 2 torpedoes
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Milne Bay
 
11 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
 
Japanese Ships
      xAK Ryoka Maru
      xAK Boston Maru
      xAK Chihaya Maru
 
Japanese ground losses:
      6 casualties reported
         Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
 
 
 
xAK Ryoka Maru firing at enemy troops
xAK Boston Maru firing at enemy troops
xAK Chihaya Maru firing at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Ground combat at Milne Bay (101,133)
 
Allied Bombardment attack
 
Attacking force 6915 troops, 88 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 290
 
Defending force 12896 troops, 43 guns, 209 vehicles, Assault Value = 248
 
Japanese ground losses:
      59 casualties reported
         Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
         Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
         Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
      Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
 
 
 
Assaulting units:
    7th Australian/25th Brigade
    7th Australian Brigade
    101st RAAF Base Force
 
Defending units:
    2nd/4th Inf Regiment
    2nd/16th Inf Regiment
    35th/Kuma Bn /2
    17th Army
    3rd Mortar Battalion
 
 

Heres a screenie of this monster battle...

The problem I really have with that skip bombing is... those B17 pilots weren't even trained.  Their naval bombing scores are no higher than 30, their low level bombing likewise.  

Then during the day there was a carrier battle, involving LBA as well.  If I were you and you're playing a game, house rule skip bombing.





Japanese Ships
     BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
     CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 14,  heavy fires,  heavy damage

Christ.  I wouldn't do this in a GC, but I had to test it out.



I will consider this a house rule for our game

ORIGINAL: grraven2004


Then during the day there was a carrier battle, involving LBA as well.  If I were you and you're playing a game, house rule skip bombing.





Japanese Ships
     BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
     CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 14,  heavy fires,  heavy damage

Christ.  I wouldn't do this in a GC, but I had to test it out.



I will consider this a house rule for our game

Wise.

Those guys came from Townsville. Thats a long way. I dont care about Miss Betty anymore if B17s can do that! [X(]

October 27th, another surface battle.  Sheer weight of numbers is telling against the Allies, both my BBs are going to be in repair yards for a long time.  This battle was rather indecisive.   SoDak absorbed a torpedo from a Betty as well, she's going to be out of the scenario I fear.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Milne Bay at 101,133, Range 17,000 Yards
 
Japanese Ships
      CA Ashigara, Shell hits 2
      CA Suzuya, Shell hits 1
      CA Kumano, Shell hits 4
      CA Aoba
      CA Furutaka, Shell hits 4,  on fire
      CL Sendai, Shell hits 2
      DD Ayanami, Shell hits 1,  on fire
      DD Asagiri, Shell hits 1
      DD Yugiri, Shell hits 16,  heavy fires,  heavy damage
      DD Ushio
      E Hakaze
      E Akikaze
 
Allied Ships
      BB South Dakota, Shell hits 10
      CA Portland, Shell hits 3,  on fire
      CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2
      CA Australia, Shell hits 1
      CL Helena, Shell hits 5
      DD Fletcher, Shell hits 2,  on fire
      DD Gregory
      DD O'Bannon
      DD Swanson
      DD Buchanan, Shell hits 1,  on fire
      DD Bagley
      DD Ralph Talbot
      DD Conyngham
      DD Shaw, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
 
 
 
Improved night sighting under 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 85% moonlight: 12,000 yards
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 35,000 yards
Range closes to 29,000 yards...
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 17,000 yards
BB South Dakota fires at CA Kumano at 17,000 yards
CA Australia fires at CA Kumano at 17,000 yards
CA San Francisco fires at CA Kumano at 17,000 yards
CL Helena fires at CA Kumano at 17,000 yards
CA Portland fires at CL Sendai at 17,000 yards
DD Bagley fires at DD Yugiri at 17,000 yards
DD Buchanan fires at DD Yugiri at 17,000 yards
DD Swanson fires at DD Yugiri at 17,000 yards
CA San Francisco fires at E Hakaze at 17,000 yards
DD Gregory fires at DD Yugiri at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages BB South Dakota at 12,000 yards
CA Australia engages CA Kumano at 12,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 12,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Portland at 12,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Ashigara at 12,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Conyngham at 12,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Bagley at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Buchanan at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Swanson at 12,000 yards
CA Portland engages E Hakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Fletcher at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Australia at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Australia at 10,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA San Francisco at 10,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Helena at 10,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Kumano at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Portland at 10,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Buchanan at 10,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Bagley at 10,000 yards
DD Bagley engages DD Ayanami at 10,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages E Akikaze at 10,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages DD Asagiri at 10,000 yards
DD Gregory engages DD Asagiri at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Furutaka at 6,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Aoba at 6,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 6,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Helena at 6,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Ashigara at 6,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Australia at 6,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Conyngham at 6,000 yards
DD Bagley engages DD Yugiri at 6,000 yards
DD Bagley engages DD Ushio at 6,000 yards
DD Fletcher engages DD Ayanami at 6,000 yards
CL Helena engages E Akikaze at 6,000 yards
CA Portland engages E Hakaze at 6,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Fletcher at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
CA Australia engages CA Aoba at 8,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Kumano at 8,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Helena at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Helena at 8,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Shaw at 8,000 yards
DD Conyngham engages DD Ushio at 8,000 yards
DD Swanson engages DD Yugiri at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Bagley at 8,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Buchanan at 8,000 yards
CL Helena engages E Akikaze at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD O'Bannon at 8,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Gregory at 8,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Fletcher at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA San Francisco at 11,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Australia at 11,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA San Francisco at 11,000 yards
CA Portland engages CA Suzuya at 11,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CL Helena at 11,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Shaw at 11,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Conyngham at 11,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Buchanan at 11,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Bagley at 11,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages E Akikaze at 11,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages E Hakaze at 11,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Gregory at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Portland at 12,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA Australia at 12,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA San Francisco at 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Portland at 12,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CA Portland at 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages DD Shaw at 12,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Conyngham at 12,000 yards
DD Fletcher engages DD Yugiri at 12,000 yards
DD Shaw engages DD Asagiri at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Buchanan at 12,000 yards
CA Portland engages E Akikaze at 12,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages E Hakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Fletcher at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Portland engages CA Furutaka at 13,000 yards
CA Australia engages CA Aoba at 13,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA San Francisco at 13,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Suzuya at 13,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CL Helena at 13,000 yards
DD Shaw engages E Akikaze at 13,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Shaw at 13,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages DD Yugiri at 13,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Bagley at 13,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Buchanan at 13,000 yards
CA Portland engages E Akikaze at 13,000 yards
CA Portland engages E Hakaze at 13,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Gregory at 13,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Fletcher at 13,000 yards
Gatch, T. orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Portland at 12,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CL Helena at 12,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CA San Francisco at 12,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Portland at 12,000 yards
CL Helena engages CA Ashigara at 12,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Fletcher at 12,000 yards
DD Swanson engages DD Yugiri at 12,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Bagley at 12,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Fletcher at 12,000 yards
CA Australia engages E Akikaze at 12,000 yards
CA Portland engages E Hakaze at 12,000 yards
DD Gregory engages DD Asagiri at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Aoba engages BB South Dakota at 9,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA Australia at 9,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Portland at 9,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Portland at 9,000 yards
CL Helena engages CL Sendai at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA Australia at 9,000 yards
DD Gregory engages DD Ushio at 9,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Fletcher at 9,000 yards
DD Buchanan engages DD Ayanami at 9,000 yards
DD Swanson engages DD Yugiri at 9,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD O'Bannon at 9,000 yards
DD Fletcher engages DD Yugiri at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Kumano engages BB South Dakota at 12,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA San Francisco at 12,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CA San Francisco at 12,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA San Francisco at 12,000 yards
CL Helena engages CL Sendai at 12,000 yards
DD Ralph Talbot engages DD Yugiri at 12,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Bagley at 12,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Buchanan at 12,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Swanson at 12,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages DD Ushio at 12,000 yards
CL Helena engages E Hakaze at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages CL Sendai at 13,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Aoba at 13,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 13,000 yards
CA Portland engages CA Furutaka at 13,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CA Portland at 13,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CA San Francisco at 13,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Ralph Talbot at 13,000 yards
DD Fletcher engages DD Asagiri at 13,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Swanson at 13,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD O'Bannon at 13,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Gregory at 13,000 yards
DD Fletcher engages DD Asagiri at 13,000 yards
Range increases to 16,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CA Australia at 16,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 16,000 yards
CA Portland engages CA Kumano at 16,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CL Helena at 16,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Helena at 16,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Bagley at 16,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Buchanan at 16,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Buchanan at 16,000 yards
DD Ushio engages DD Swanson at 16,000 yards
DD O'Bannon engages DD Asagiri at 16,000 yards
DD Gregory engages DD Yugiri at 16,000 yards
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CA Portland at 19,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Sendai at 19,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CA Portland at 19,000 yards
CA Portland engages CA Suzuya at 19,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Ashigara at 19,000 yards
CL Sendai engages CL Helena at 19,000 yards
CL Helena engages DD Yugiri at 19,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Swanson at 19,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD O'Bannon at 19,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages E Hakaze at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages CA Furutaka at 23,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA San Francisco at 23,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CL Helena at 23,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages CL Helena at 23,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages DD Conyngham at 23,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD Ralph Talbot at 23,000 yards
CL Helena engages DD Yugiri at 23,000 yards
CL Helena engages DD Asagiri at 23,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages DD Swanson at 23,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages DD O'Bannon at 23,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD Gregory at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages CA Furutaka at 28,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Australia at 28,000 yards
CA San Francisco engages CA Kumano at 28,000 yards
CA Suzuya engages CA Portland at 28,000 yards
CA Kumano engages CL Helena at 28,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Ralph Talbot at 28,000 yards
CA Aoba engages DD Bagley at 28,000 yards
CA Aoba engages DD Swanson at 28,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD O'Bannon at 28,000 yards
CA Aoba engages DD Fletcher at 28,000 yards
Range increases to 31,000 yards
BB South Dakota engages CA Aoba at 31,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA Australia at 31,000 yards
CA Aoba engages CA Portland at 31,000 yards
CA Ashigara engages CL Helena at 31,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Conyngham at 31,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD Ralph Talbot at 31,000 yards
CA Furutaka engages DD O'Bannon at 31,000 yards
CA Kumano engages DD Fletcher at 31,000 yards
Range increases to 35,000 yards
Task forces break off...



My CV fatigue was high so they were pulled back to the coast for a day off.  Now they are going back in.  He's coming across the Owen Stanleys again, so it's a real banzai charge from the IJN here.  BB Yamato was bombed by Dauntlesses at Milne Bay, but she's bombproof.   Wonder if she's torpedo proof?  [;)]
I have two small convoys as well which I want to get in, 8000 supply for greedy PM (down to 2k again, these bombers use it up fast) and a Bde + supply for Milne Bay.

While Jutland Mk 2 is going on at Milne Bay, at Lunga some light forces are shifting LCUs around.  SeaBees are being concentrated at Munda, cutting a fighter airfield into unforgiving terrain.

Odd situation.  An Allied convoy holding 8000 supply is docked at Milne Bay.  Another convoy of 10k supply is en route to Port Moresby, which is in the red again, this is bad as I need the airfield there up and running.  The first P38 squadron just got moved to PM, and a fresh P40 squadron moved to Milne Bay to cover the convoy.  A SAG, based around a handful of CAs, is in watchful attendance, and the US carriers are one hex southwest.  If that 8000 supply can be unloaded I think we've got this in the bag, and even if not, MB can fend for itself for a while and so not delay the planned Allied assaults on Buka/Shortlands.  Plan is for the CVs to withdraw to Noumea for brief R&R and refuelling in readiness for Shortlands after this task.

The Jap navy is all around, east, northeast and southeast of Milne Bay, but bad weather grounded everything today so despite all this firepower it's been fairly quiet.  He's down to a single CV I think, so I'd welcome an attack from him at this point, if that can be eliminated it'll make my own attacks so much easier.

APs, as opposed to xAPs, are being sent southeast from Townsville down towards Noumea, in readiness for my Shortlands attack.  The marines are already being consolidated at Lunga for a big pickup - not an ideal jumping off point its true.  Most of my surface forces will have to move to the eastern side of the map as well when this baby gets rolling, but I got a while yet,  so I feel I can continue to cover MB from Townsville to disrupt Japanese resupply for a while.