2/9-2/10/42
USN CARRIERS ATTACK JAPANESE SHIPPING OFF RABAUL
As the USN carriers do their fast run-in to Rabaul during the night of 2/9/42...the Enterprise/Saratoga ACTF somehow separates from the Lexington/Yorktown ACTF by a distance of over 90 miles. When Bettys show up on the morning of 2/9 the USN carrier CAP has been halved from over 80 fighters to a mere 43 fighters:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Green Island at 109,127
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 47 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G3M2 Nell x 29
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 8
F4F-3A Wildcat x 16
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
G3M2 Nell: 6 destroyed, 6 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Torpedo hits 1
CV Saratoga
CA Pensacola
Aircraft Attacking:
21 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
Disaster has been narrowly averted......the Lucky E has merely 8 SYS and 16 FLT damage.
All 4 USN carriers conduct full launches and hit IJN TFs off rabaul and Shortlands:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 109,131
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 9
SBD-1 Dauntless x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBD-1 Devastator x 30
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AMC Kiyosumi Maru, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Tokati Maru
AMC Akagi Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Seattle Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Sakito Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Toyotu Maru
xAK Tyuwa Maru
xAK Manila Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Tacoma Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
AV Kimikawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Toko Maru
xAK Kinugasa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
8 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Sakito Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Manila Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Tacoma Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kinugasa Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes
Allied aircraft
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 14
SBD-2 Dauntless x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 36
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 10, on fire
xAK Wakatu Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Oigawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tyoyo Maru, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
PB Chohakusan Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Toho Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Heiei Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Kurama Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAK Yoneyama Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Choko Maru #5, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Wakatu Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Oigawa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Heiei Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Tyoyo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Toho Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kurama Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Yoneyama Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Overcast
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 6
F4F-3A Wildcat x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD-2 Dauntless x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 35
TBD-1 Devastator x 30
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 destroyed
Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 8, on fire
AMC Kinryu Maru
xAK Kiyoshima Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
DD Yamakaze
AMC Kongo Maru
xAK Utide Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Yamashimo Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Hoko Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kiku, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAKL Bizen Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Hishu
xAKL Tihuku Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kiyoshima Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Utide Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Yamashimo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Mutsu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Hoko Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kiku
After the USN carriers recover their aircraft a 2nd strike is launched in the afternoon:
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 8
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 7, on fire
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 8, on fire
DD Hishu
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Mutsu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Yamashiro
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 109,131
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Allied aircraft
SBD-1 Dauntless x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
TBD-1 Devastator x 30
Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
xAK Taikei Maru, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AMC Akagi Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
xAK Tyuwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tokati Maru
E Ishigaki
xAK Toyotu Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Toko Maru
PB Edo Maru
PB Saiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
4 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Akagi Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Tyuwa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Toyotu Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 4
F4F-3A Wildcat x 8
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD-2 Dauntless x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33
Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Yamakaze, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yoneyama Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAKL Daitei Maru, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
AMC Kongo Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
PB Kenkon Maru, Bomb hits 8, and is sunk
xAKL Heiwa Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Genmei Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Sento Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Kinryu Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Yoneyama Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Daitei Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Heiwa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Kenkon Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Genmei Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AMC Kongo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kawakaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Sento Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 109,131
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Japanese aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft
TBD-1 Devastator x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
TBD-1 Devastator: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
AV Kimikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
The two USN carrier ACTFs link up during the night of 2/10 and launch additional strikes the next day on Japanese shipping:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 13
SBD-2 Dauntless x 51
SBD-1 Dauntless x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 65
TBD-1 Devastator x 37
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
TBD-1 Devastator: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 6, on fire
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 51, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMC Kinryu Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAKL Juyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
E Ishigaki, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AMc Takasago Maru
DD Hishu, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Taganoura Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Yahonui Maru, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
16 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
8 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
6 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-1 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2U-3 Vindicator releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Juyo Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring E Ishigaki
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Mutsu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kawakaze
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Taganoura Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hishu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 109,131
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 4
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
xAK Toko Maru, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAK Tokati Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
PB Edo Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Toko Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Tokati Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Edo Maru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
No Allied losses
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x F4F-3 Wildcat sweeping at 20000 feet
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Rabaul at 106,125
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6
SBD-2 Dauntless x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29
TBD-1 Devastator x 3
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Kawakaze, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Takasago Maru, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x TBD-1 Devastator launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-2 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Yukaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 109,131
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes
Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 4
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
PB Edo Maru, Bomb hits 7, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Edo Maru
Over 70 1000lb bombs hit BB Mutsu in addition to a torpedo. Unfortunately....1000lb bombs dont sink Jap BBs in WitP so BB Mutsu will still be around to torment the Allies as soon as she gets a new paint job. It seems like over 90% of my torpedo sorties(120 sorties) targeted xAKs/PBs/AMcs/DDs and the like.
This will probably be my best shot at hitting unprotected IJN shipping for the next year or two and I will regret doing this but regardless the USN carriers are ordered to withdraw next turn. Dave disbanded his transport TFs into port at Rabaul and with 18 LCUs/40,000 troops there Im afraid of finding a flak trap over the harbor....Ive had lots of sigint of IJA and IJN BFs heading to Rabaul. USN carrier AC have severely limited replacement rates and I dont want to be suffering from undersized air groups on my carriers for the first 6 months of the war from getting into an air battle with Japanese land based air. In addition...all 4 CVs are out of torpedoes so I can t really do anything to the IJN BBs......and finally I need to get torpedo damaged CV Enterprise back to port.
MALAYA
The Allies somehow hang on for yet another 2 days at Singapore:
Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 74191 troops, 897 guns, 480 vehicles, Assault Value = 2749
Defending force 21345 troops, 400 guns, 163 vehicles, Assault Value = 237
Japanese adjusted assault: 991
Allied adjusted defense: 447
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1600 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 155 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 99 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1447 casualties reported
Squads: 82 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 86 destroyed, 109 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 22 (5 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Division
33rd Division
56th Division
21st Division
18th Division
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
5th Division
1st Tank Regiment
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd Division
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
3rd Air Division
11th Shipping Engineer Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
34th Field AA Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
23rd AA Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
Southern Army
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
20th AA Regiment
14th Shipping Engineer Regiment
22nd Air Flotilla
25th Army
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Bn /2
Defending units:
6th Indian Brigade
28th Gurkha Brigade
22nd Australian Brigade
2nd Gordons Battalion
27th Australian Brigade
3/16th Punjab Battalion
Singapore Fortress
8th Indian Bde /3
2nd Loyal Battalion
22nd Indian Brigade
2nd Argylls Bn /1
30 Battery/3 HAA
29 Battery/3 HAA
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
2nd ISF Base Force
112th RAF Base Force
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
11 Battery/3 HAA
AHQ Far East
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
Malayan Air Wing
Singapore Base Force
III Indian Corps
110th RAF Base Force
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
111th RAF Base Force
Malaya Army
109th RN Base Force
Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 73013 troops, 897 guns, 481 vehicles, Assault Value = 2683
Defending force 20123 troops, 400 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 205
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0
Japanese adjusted assault: 804
Allied adjusted defense: 451
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1020 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 50 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 79 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 16 (2 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (1 destroyed, 26 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
1707 casualties reported
Squads: 62 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 124 destroyed, 79 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (4 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Assaulting units:
4th Ind. Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
Imperial Guards Division
5th Division
23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
18th Division
56th Division
21st Division
1st Tank Regiment
2nd Division
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Shipping Engineer Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
Southern Army
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Air Division
23rd AA Regiment
22nd Air Flotilla
34th Field AA Battalion
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
14th Shipping Engineer Regiment
25th Army
20th AA Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Bn /2
Defending units:
3/16th Punjab Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
22nd Australian Brigade
8th Indian Bde /3
6th Indian Bde /3
2nd Gordons Battalion
28th Gurkha Brigade
27th Australian Brigade
Singapore Fortress
22nd Indian Brigade
2nd Argylls Bn /1
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
Malayan Air Wing
111th RAF Base Force
III Indian Corps
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
11 Battery/3 HAA
30 Battery/3 HAA
112th RAF Base Force
Malaya Army
2nd ISF Base Force
AHQ Far East
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
29 Battery/3 HAA
Singapore Base Force
110th RAF Base Force
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
109th RN Base Force
I dont know how I get these good die rolls for adjusted AV....it must be from replacing Percival/Heath with top rated leaders.
Anyhow.......Japan suffers casualties of another 200 squads so that now makes over 1400 squads disabled/ destroyed......it almost seems like another IJA division gets trashed every turn the battle for Singapore continues.
I have no idea how long these troops can keep it up in the hopeless defense of Singapore biut I will take it.
PHILIPPINES
American/Philippino troops recapture Iba, Lingayen and Bayombong. Allied troops are ordered to invest San Fernando.
Dave got wise to my resupply efforts through naga/Legaspi and sent a pair of DDs there to sink xAK Californian.
DEI
Japan consolidated their position on Java at Djokjakarta and captures Christmas Is.(IO) and Pamekasan.
Ambon remains a standoff as Japan is content with a mere bombardment this turn.
RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
The most surprising result of the carrier raid on Rabaul was the recon benefit. I knew about the 80 IJN ships in port but my naval search never picked up all the additional shipping at sea in the area. My whole purpose for the carrier strike was to hit IJN shipping in port at Rabaul but there was _SO_ much IJN shipping outside of the port that not one bomb found its way into Rabaul's port. The Japanese buildup for this portion of the Pacific has been nothing short of fantastical for the early date of 2/10/42......18 LCUs and 40,000 troops on Rabaul and another 11 LCUs and 11,000 troops on Shortlands. Already Shortlands has a level 3 AF and a level 3 port. This is a much bigger buildup than what Ive seen so far in the DEI for Java. I think that this really argues for an early Japanese thrust into SWPAC/SOPAC.
Additional sigint indicates that 28th Calvary Regiment is planning for Sydney and 90th Regiment is planning for Geraldton.....combine that with the previous sigint of 9th Regiment planning for Busselton and you can make a case for an all out Japanese move into Australia.
One result that caught my eye during the during the USN carrier strikes was "Direct hit by 1000lb bomb obliterates AMc"......Ive never seen that before.
