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First carrier battle of the war!

So far its all gone tits up for me.

The Japs are in the Java Sea, and launched airstrikes at range 5. Allied aircraft were set to go for range 4, so no Allied strikes in return (though Soerabaja port got plastered again as I had port attack as secondary).

Wasp, Hornet, Indomitable and Formidable were in range of the Japs, Wasp and Hornet got ripped up by Vals and Kates dropping their firecrackers, Indomitable and Formidable absorbed 20 bombs each but are more or less fine.

Yanks should've bought British on that one.

The four biggest US carriers are still at Bali, and after a pondering, I've decided to sortie them. They are in two TFs, each TF also including a fast battleship, and they have 6000 AAA, so pretty solid. The Japs have lost 148 aircraft in air to air combat, mostly Zeroes, so I'm hoping KBs fighter cover has been a bit dented. And with Jap carriers being tinderboxes, all it takes is one torpedo...

If I can smack up a Jap fleet CV I'll be happy, 1943 is Essex year anyway. Indomitable and Formidable may still be battleworthy but their airgroups got sliced to ribbons and their AA ammo is down to 5%, so they are set to pull back on flank speed. The hulks of Hornet and Wasp are doomed, but they are set to stick around and hopefully absorb some Japanese bombs yet.

All the Aussies are ashore now, with their baseforce and HQ. A shock attack is ordered. Bali is mine, but at what cost?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/19/43

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TF 1075 encounters mine field at Bali (24,68)

TF 1075 troops unloading over beach at Bali, 24,68


Allied Ships
MSW Rail
DMS Perry
DD Clark
DD Shaw
DD Conyngham
DD Chevalier
AP Van Riebeek, Mine hits 1
DD Van Ghent
DD Tucker
DD Reid
DD Cushing
DD Buchanan
DD Laffey
DD Grayson
DD Fletcher
DD Smith
DD Monssen
DD Gwin


Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

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TF 1123 encounters mine field at Bali (24,68)

Allied Ships
MSW Heed
MSW Swallow

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TF 1075 encounters mine field at Bali (24,68)

TF 1075 troops unloading over beach at Bali, 24,68


Allied Ships
MSW Rail
DMS Perry
DD Van Ghent
DD Worden
DD Preston
DD Cushing
DD Duncan
DD Buchanan
DD Aaron Ward
DD Meredith
DD Phelps
DD Tucker
DD Shaw
DD Lansdowne
DD Laffey
DD O'Bannon
DD DeHaven
DD Chevalier
DD Fletcher
DD Clark
DD Monssen
DD Gwin
DD Smith, Mine hits 1


Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

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TF 1123 encounters mine field at Bali (24,68)

Allied Ships
MSW Heed
MSW Swallow

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Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 33
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 188
Ki-48 Lily x 27
Ki-49 Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 21
Runway hits 183

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
15 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 5000 feet
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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 16
Liberator VI x 12
B-17E Fortress x 62
B-24D Liberator x 47


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged

Resources hits 40

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
14 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 16
Liberator VI x 12
B-17E Fortress x 62
B-24D Liberator x 47


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged

Resources hits 40

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
14 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Liberator VI bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30


Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 9


Allied aircraft losses
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Resources hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
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Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
A6M3 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 65

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

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Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 7
B-17E Fortress x 88
B-24D Liberator x 95

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 22 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 10 destroyed
Ki-57-II Topsy: 6 destroyed
H8K Emily: 2 destroyed
MC-21 Sally: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 24
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 137

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
27 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on Bali , at 24,68


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

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Day Air attack on 2nd Division, at 15,25


Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 10
Mohawk IV x 10
Hurricane II x 28
Vengeance I x 10
Beaufort I x 11
Beaufort V-IX x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Swordfish bombing at 10700 feet
9 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
14 x Hurricane II bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
14 x Hurricane II bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
11 x Beaufort I bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on 2nd Division, at 15,25


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 11
F-5A Lightning x 1
B-25C Mitchell x 36


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
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Day Air attack on 18th Division, at 15,25


Allied aircraft
Catalina I x 2
Hurricane II x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 49


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
9 x Hurricane II bombing at 2000 feet
15 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
11 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Hurricane II bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Division, at 15,25


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF, near Macassar at 30,69


Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 20
Hudson I x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Getuyo Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 28,68


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
SBD Dauntless x 17


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
TK Nisshin Maru, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 24,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 67
D3A Val x 108
A6M3a Zero x 22
B5N Kate x 126

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 42
F4F-4 Wildcat x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 42 destroyed
D3A Val: 24 destroyed, 27 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 14 destroyed
B5N Kate: 17 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 12 destroyed, 7 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 30 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 15, on fire, heavy damage
CL Birmingham, Bomb hits 1
DD Warramunga, Bomb hits 1
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CLAA San Diego, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 24,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 25
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 14
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
D3A Val: 2 destroyed
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 12 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL Birmingham, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 24,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 25
B5N Kate x 14

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 14
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
D3A Val: 2 destroyed
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 12 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL Birmingham, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 24,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 25

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 3 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 3 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 5, on fire
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Bali at 24,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 damaged

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Day Air attack on Banjarmasin , at 27,64


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 3


Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 2 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31
SBD Dauntless x 65
Swordfish x 11
TBF Avenger x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 7 damaged
Swordfish: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBF Avenger: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsujin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Siraha Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Somedono Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Seizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minazuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinano Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Nagatsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tomozono Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sumanoura Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
61 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 37
Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
7 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
16 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
8 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 31
SBD Dauntless x 65
Swordfish x 11
TBF Avenger x 24

A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 7 damaged
Swordfish: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBF Avenger: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Tatsujin Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Siraha Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Somedono Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CS Chitose, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP Seizan Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Tarushima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinwa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Minazuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Shinano Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Nagatsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Tomozono Maru #3, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Sumanoura Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Taiho Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
61 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 37
Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
7 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
16 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
9 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
8 x TBF Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x Swordfish launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Bali , at 24,68


Allied aircraft
F-5A Lightning x 1


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 64,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 13 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed, 6 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Java

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 64,94

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
G4M1 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
P-38G Lightning x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 13 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 7 destroyed, 6 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Java

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 24,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 61
D3A Val x 90
A6M3a Zero x 12
B5N Kate x 97

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
D3A Val: 6 destroyed, 27 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 5 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 8 destroyed

Allied Ships
CLAA Van Heemskerck, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Patterson, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 8, on fire
CL Phoenix
DD Arunta, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Nashville

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 9000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B5N Kate bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Bali at 24,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 56,96

Japanese Ships
AK Kashii Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PC Tama Maru #8
PC Toshi Maru #3
PG Uji
APD APD-36
APD APD-35
DD Tachikaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Halibut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lanchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41604 troops, 452 guns, 9 vehicles

Defending force 12977 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported

Ground combat at Lanchow

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41604 troops, 452 guns, 9 vehicles

Defending force 12977 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 716 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 229006 troops, 799 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1174 troops, 46 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 260623 troops, 1200 guns, 0 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kungchang

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 40643 troops, 443 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 60000 troops, 385 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Trimcomalee

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 99729 troops, 772 guns, 1472 vehicles

Defending force 28949 troops, 16 guns, 4 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 286 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
12244 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
972 casualties reported
Guns lost 10


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kungchang

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 56538 troops, 373 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 71187 troops, 584 guns, 3 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
139 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chungking

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 178953 troops, 1093 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 289860 troops, 2003 guns, 156 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bali

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12520 troops, 87 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3286 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

First carrier battle of the war!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/19/43

Wow. You got shorted by 4 Essexes that were historically available. (york 2, lex 2, wasp 2 and hornet 2)

Gotta love the respawn rules.

(I think ships don't respawn after 1/1/43)

ORIGINAL: Bradley7735

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

First carrier battle of the war!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/19/43

Wow. You got shorted by 4 Essexes that were historically available. (york 2, lex 2, wasp 2 and hornet 2)

Gotta love the respawn rules.

(I think ships don't respawn after 1/1/43)

I thought all ships sunk respawned, it was justa certain number of days from their sinking.

Ah well.

Hey, Banana, I see you haven't taken your offensive, overtly political avatar down yet...[:D]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Hey, Banana, I see you haven't taken your offensive, overtly political avatar down yet...[:D]

Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it in for me...

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

ORIGINAL: Bradley7735

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

First carrier battle of the war!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/19/43

Wow. You got shorted by 4 Essexes that were historically available. (york 2, lex 2, wasp 2 and hornet 2)

Gotta love the respawn rules.

(I think ships don't respawn after 1/1/43)

I thought all ships sunk respawned, it was justa certain number of days from their sinking.

Ah well.

Doublechecked. Any US carrier sunk before 1944 will respawn.

So I aint been shorted. [:D]

You still have to lose two more to get the historic number. Only then will both sides have been treated fairly. You're still two short that were delivered in late 43/early 44. If you lose more than 2 more, then your Japanese opponent will be getting screwed.

Hey, can you explain your overtly political avatar? I'm a bit ignorant on it. I've been curious what it means.

bc

ps, thanks for the AAR. It's one of the few I like.

ORIGINAL: Bradley7735

You still have to lose two more to get the historic number. Only then will both sides have been treated fairly. You're still two short that were delivered in late 43/early 44. If you lose more than 2 more, then your Japanese opponent will be getting screwed.

Well, yes. I suspect I'm going to lose some more when Simon sends me the next turn, though! Four more are being sent into the cauldron of battle.

Hey, can you explain your overtly political avatar? I'm a bit ignorant on it. I've been curious what it means.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1208058.stm

(The EU lost the banana war)

ps, thanks for the AAR. It's one of the few I like.

It is? This is one of the least trafficked AARs I have noticed.

On the other hand its also one of the few to have made it to 1943. [:D]

Well, 4th day, I was expecting a huge carrier ruck between my four undamaged US carriers and the KB minus 140 aircraft, but no. Simon legged it. Not very Japanese of him. I stand defiantly in the south Java Sea, and not a single carrier strike to be seen.

Probably wise, his ambush smashed up Wasp and Hornet for just 150 pilots and nary a bomb landing on an IJN deck.

Saw two banzai charges today. One on Bali vs the ANZACs, which failed (base force destroyed, just a few naval guards left), and 18th Division at Trimcomalee also banzai charged vs 1000 to 1 odds and actually succeeded, holding the slaughter up another day.

Hornet and Wasp are on about 60 flotation damage each, and 99 sys damage. And under tow. Who knows, maybe they aint dead after all. [:D] Enterprise, Lexington, Saratoga and Yorktown are pulling back, and are set to escort the two crippled American flattops. Long way to Koepang though.

Formidable is on 20 sys damage from the sheet number of bombs that hit her, she isnt sinking but she is definitely weary. Indomitable lives up to her name and is on 8 sys damage,though the Vals pretty much swept every AA gun off her deck.

And... this is incredible.

Some of the US figher groups on Wasp and Hornet are still alive and will definitely make it! They landed on the depleted but apparently indestructible British carriers. [:D] [:D] [:D] [:D] [:D]. Now thats teamwork.

The bright side is - his air losses have been very heavy. He's lost about 200 aircraft to flak or air to air combat in 2 days, mostly fighters.

Those armoured decks really do work... thats after the same number of bombs that left Hornet on 99 sys and 60 flot.

23rd January, 1943

BURMA/INDIA
CV Victorious arrives in 20 days, bringing another armoured deck carrier to the fray, yay!

The fleet is being moved from Diamond Harbour to Colombo now that the Japs who invaded Ceylon are being detained as His Majestys' Pleasure in concentration camps across India. The fleet currently is centred upon Illustrious, Hermes and Warspite, on 0, 8 and 16 sys damage respectively. BB Valiant is going to be going to the United States to be fixed (at Seattle, BB Ramilles is about to be released, fixed, and sent back to India).

With the Jap annihilated a lot of divisions have been freed up, so offensive moves are now possible. One Indian division is set to prep for Sabang, on the northern tip of Sumatra. Another Indian division is set to prep for the Andaman Islands. Another Indian division is set to prep for the base in the middle of Sumatra's west side. The remainder are being gathered up onto AKs and returned to the mainland, where they will make their way to Calcutta for R&R.

All these divisions are now crack with 90+ experience.

With Sabang and Andaman in my hands, as well as Bali, he should feel his oil nuts in the vice.

Now I have some PPs a lot of NORPAC SeaBee units have been set in San Francisco to SEAC command, hopefully they'll zing over with the 60 day rule soon. I'll need those to support the planned British advance.

DEI
Bali has 25,000 supply, probably enough, and three fighter squadrons, though severely depleted. My APs are still there and his Betties are bombing them - a lucky hit from a 250kg bomb hit CA Minneapolis's magazine, sinking her, which annoyed me a bit. Heavy damage to the airfield due to my zealous heavy bombers and from when the ANZACs stormed it have meant my fighters are now very much depleted due to damage, nevertheless the air to air kill ratio is 2 to 1 and Minneapolis is the only major loss.

A US division at Darwin which was set to attack Bali with the ANZACs have been set to prep for Macassar, which is next on my list. Bali is being built up, but even as an airfield 3 its proving highly useful, my Catalinas can now range into the Java Sea which means Macassar should be ripe for the plucking. KB must be at Singapore by now.

Wasp and Hornet are three hexes from Koepang and being coaxed home but I dont think they'll make it, as they are now on 80 flotation damage, despite heroic efforts. The other four US carriers are escorting the stricken two (never leave a man behind) and did fend off several small Betty attacks on the way home.

SOPAC
Vella Lavella is now very well supplied, he lost a lot of aircraft in doing the odd hit on them. My build up for Port Moresby is still underway, with Townsville being used as a rendezvous point. A problem across the entire PTO is lack of aviation support again. I have enough for the bases I hold but no more, and I plan on taknig more.

CENTPAC/NORPAC
A backwater.


So we have a lot of irons in the fire now!

a) British assaults on one or more of the Sabang, the Andaman Islands, and Some Base On the West Coast of Sumatra, in order of decreasing priority. ETA - 2 months, with support from Victorious, Illustrious, Hermes, potentially/hopefully also Saratoga, Lexington, Yorktown, Enterprise.

b) US assault on Macassar in divisional strength, supported by heavy bombers out of Koepang, with adequate early warning thanks to the capture of Bali, and with the four big US carriers. ETA - 1 month, maybe less.

c) ANZAC assault on Port Moresby in reinforced divisional strength, with support by ~100 Fortresses, CV Essex, 3 CVEs. ETA - 3 months.

26th January, 1943

A good day!

Kaga got torpedoed by a Dutch submarine in the Java Sea. Kaga was found and the subs vectored onto target by the Catalinas at Bali, so my longer range recon ability paid swifter dividends than I had thought! Alas, O24 was sunk by the escorts after the attack, but still, a brilliant success for the Royal Dutch Navy!

And in other news, the first Corsair squadron arrived at San Diego today. CVE Long Island has been sent over there to take those devils to Vella Lavella.

3rd February, 1943

BURMA/INDIA
I'm still in the process of reorganising my forces from the concentration I had at Trimcomalee.
The three armoured units are now on mainland India and headed for Calcutta, while preparing for an attack upon Mandalay. Two Indian divisions remain on Ceylon preparing for bases on Sumatra, and a Bde stays as well for defence.
Winston wants a CA and two DDs back. I'm tempted to give him CA Hawkins, cuz its really, really crap. But not the DDs, as I need those. Though I might spare some of the old RN DDs I spose. I've got some US DDs in theatre at India now.

Far far away at Pearl I've dispatched about four upgraded Gato class submarines to mark the waters around Palembang. Their home base will be Colombo so they are effectively moving to this theatre. Allied subs here are generally short range Dutch boats or a few of the older Salmon class US boats. Gatos are where its at.

CHINA
Supply levels falling drastically, not good at all. No change of the front line though . Need to keep pressure on the Jap at all times elsewhere in the hope its diverting some supply.

DEI/Home Islands
The submarine warfare has been really, really good since 1943 began. Since the last update two TKs have been sunk outright, a third TK was torpedoed, and an AK attacked on the surface. I have now about 15-20 submarines near the Home Islands, a cluster near Saigon and another cluster near Palembang, and they reap dividends. Jap hunter killers are in evidence at the Home Islands but they suck, and so far the US boats are untouched.
My base at Bali has been closed down but its cost him dear. 25 to 1 kill ratios in air to air combat, his Zeroes cant hack my Lightnings at all. But weight of numbers has had its effect. Bali has 9000 supply so its not critical. Yet.
Preparations continue for an attack on Macassar, ETA 2 weeks.
KB is nowhere in sight, Bali still provides recon into the Java Sea.

Hornet and Wasp will live. Down to 50 flotation damage now. I did ponder scuttling them as they are on 99 sys damage - I would get replacement Essexes faster than they would be fixed.
But I dont wanna give Simon the pleasure of sunk US CVs. [:D]

SOPAC
CV Essex is at Noumea, I've got almost all the US CVEs at Townsville now. I estimate my attack on Port Moresby should develop in about 3 weeks now, in divisional strength.
In preparation Lightnings from Vella Lavella have begun sweeping Rabaul, and the kill ratios have been between 5 to 1 and 10 to 1 in my favour. Not good for Simon. Meanwhile heavies at Cooktown routinely blast PM and keep the place closed. Unfortunately I dont have enough heavies to do likewise to Rabaul, so fighter sweeps are all I can manage.

CENTPAC/NORPAC
Not much change. I'm happy with my advances into the Central Pacific, a next step would be Marcus Island or Kwajalein, neither of which look like easy targets, both of which look like they would be Bad News to attack, and my efforts are focused elsewhere now.

First squadron of Corsairs is loaded on an AK, headed for Lunga, but it really wants to be on Bali...

Its about 11th February, 1943

Had a hiccup in the turn today, 001.pws crashed, every time I tried to load it. Worked fine for Simon, but not for me. In the end I had Simon send me the combat report txt file and did my turn off that. Hope it was a one off.

BURMA/INDIA
Slowly positioning British forces for a drive upon Burma. Been plastering his airfields with 120 Mitchells out of Dacca to burn resources, and the Forts have bombed the place into a wasteland on top of that.
Some time to go yet.
I think we'll have 3 armoured divisions land at Akyab and roll over the track to Pagan, and 3 infantry divisions be airlifted from Ledo to Myritkina and launch an assault from there.
He seems to have stripped the place bare, least as far as a/c are concerned.

DEI
Not going so good here.

Bali is kinda in deep ***. The Allied hand has extended too far here I think. Huge numbers of Jap bombers roast the place from northern Borneo, and I've had to pull back all Allied fighters, though he's lost a lot of pilots doing it. Resupply is difficult as well, I'm using barges mostly. 64 Dakotas are on the way to Koepang but a long way out yet, they will greatly aid my efforts on the Dutch island chains.
Waingapu is being built up nicely to airfield 4, may move the Hudsons up to there, though they only drop chewing gum rather than bombs. I have 48 well experienced Dutch Hudsons at Koepang with a year of experience now. I really need another base between Waingapu and Bali though. Reba maybe. And I need Corsairs for this to really work so he cant shut them down so easy.

My attack on Macassar is developing. Four US carriers in support. 1 division in the landing. Bali is not useless, i have Catalinas there able to range into the Java Sea and give plenty of early warning. Also I'm flooding the Java Sea with submarines, I should have about six there before too long, quite a lot given how narrow it is. All classes of boat.

SOPAC
Assault fleet - 1 Div, 1 amphibious HQ - on the way to PM, 3 CVEs + CV Essex escorting. PM is well softened by heavy bombers from Cooktown.
Elsewhere Vella Lavella now has 280 av support and I'm moving my medium bombers - 60 Mitchells it'll be when the op is complete - to VL to begin working on Rabaul. Rabaul's fighter cover has been decimated by constant Lightning sweeps, its time to drop presents as well. Hopefully the butchery of Rabauls fighters will blunt any Jap torpedo attacks on the oncoming Allied fleet.

CENTPAC/NORPAC
Quiet.

Oh, regarding state of the fleet - Indomitable and Formidable are almost at Noumea. They got 10 sys damage but lost a lot of AA, they need fixing. So I'm taking them back to Pearl.

Wasp and Hornet are on 30 flot, 99 sys at Koepang. I still think maybe its best to scuttle them. [:(]

My force is now centred on the remaining four US carriers - Lexington, Saratoga, Enterprise, Yorktown. Essex is in action too but in the Coral Sea not the DEI.

I wouldn't scuttle them. You can repair them in a lot less than 550 days. If you save them, you don't give 600 odd points to your opponent. Yeah, Essexes are better ships, but think of the time difference (repair can be about 200 days) and the points to your opponent.

Just my 2 cents.

bc

Here is a screenie of the most important chunk of the map, between Java and Timor.

Wasp and Hornet are still at Koepang incidentally, they arent going to set sail till they are on 0 flot. Going to be a long way home under tow... I'll take the above advice and not scuttle them.

Now Waingapu (on Sumba) is airfield 4, I've put 8 ABDA Beaufighters and 16 Mitchells there btw, which extends my more or less anti ship bomber range considerably, just about up to Bali itself.

Fix them up, they will be back a lot faster. Getting them back faster will improve your operational capabilites at the end of 43.

Hey the bananas back ! .. good to see . was worried your game had dropped off the map.

[&o]