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If you still have Cocos Is, that's another reason Java could be a target. Cocos is not an offensive air platform but it does allow you to air search that area while you approach....very handy.

I would reinforce Cocos at a minimum to keep your options open

I agree on trying to reinforce Cocos, but I think it is too early/ too risky to go after Java

I am afraid of going head on against waves after waves of LBAs. Because as soon as he spots the invasion fleet, he can rebase quite a lot of fighters and bombers ; there are plenty of level 4 bases in Java he can use; then there are all those cruisers at Singapore, waiting to ambush

Right now I can only bring 2 USN carriers and one crappy CVE. Trying to land so close to a LBA base is very risky, if by chance he torpedoes a fleet carrier, I would be in big trouble as there are few bases capable of repairing

I would at least need to wait until a few more CVEs arrive, even using the British doesn't add up too much; Hermes is too slow and the other ones are already withdrawn or very soon to be withdrawn

Maybe get a base that is close to it? something like Waigampoe or Bima

With only 2 CV and 1 CVE, I can see the hesitancy on tackling Java, and the large airbases.....more than likely there is an Air HQ on the island, which means he can pull together torpedo bombers and Zeros pretty quickly.

Bima and Waingapoe are good targets if you have Broome/Derby area....easy to support from Australia

Yes, and some of my "careful" comments included FOW... just in case in case some intelligence leaks [;)]

Operation Alligator has started; I will update on it in a few days/ turns, suffice to say it is more ambitious than going for Bima/ Waingapoe

Last turn, his naval search picked some unusual activity near the Torres strait; tomorrow he will likely find the Spanish armada [:)] you simply can't hide 200+ ships

Aug15.42

I would guess that he just now realized there is an invasion coming; as the last turn (2nd day of operations) was relatively uneventful:
- he didn't stop bombarding or bombing Palembang; which is good; I will start worrying when they go silent, as this will mean redeployment to DEI
- one enemy submarine intercepted and heavily damaged; I have 3 ASW TFs patrolling the strait, 2 of these are fleet destroyers (with 8 ASW)...
- many TF spotted, but all with low DL
- I started bombing Koepang, with good results; but airbase is far from closed, as I was using only 2Es to avoid raising alarms. Next turn I will unleash the heavies
- I think he didn't bite the diversion on the Indian ocean; but at least he saw the carrier; which was the main objective (I will expand later)
- As you can see, some radio volume on bases in the DEI and very heavy volume on Truk... is he moving his carriers?


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ASW attack near Horn Island at 91,129

Japanese Ships
SS I-9, hits 11, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Grayson
DD Lardner
DD Lansdowne

SS I-9 is sighted by escort
I-9 bottoming out ....
DD Lardner attacking submerged sub ....
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lardner fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lansdowne attacking submerged sub ....
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 24
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 8 scrambling)
11 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 22

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet



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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 78 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes



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Morning Air attack on 44th Indian Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 18th British Division ...
Also attacking 44th Indian Brigade ...

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Morning Air attack on 46th Indian Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 9th Indian Division ...

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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
Hudson III (LR) x 14
Hudson III (LR) x 24
B-25C Mitchell x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 2 damaged

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 45

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 57 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 21000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 115 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12
Hudson III (LR) x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9
Hudson III (LR) x 14
B-25C Mitchell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
DB-7B x 11
Beaufort V x 12
Hudson I x 3
Hudson III (LR) x 3
Wirraway x 4
Hudson III (LR) x 12
B-26 Marauder x 6
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Beaufort V bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x DB-7B bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x Wirraway bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 100 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 13
Kittyhawk IA x 16
B-26 Marauder x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 13

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Hudson I bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 12

No Allied losses

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 10

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 12

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 3

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-40E Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet



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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes



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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 6

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet *



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Afternoon Air attack on 44th Indian Brigade, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 14 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 20000 feet *
9 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
G3M2 Nell x 9
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 7000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on 9th Indian Division, at 48,91 (Palembang)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Another turn, another relatively uneventful day for the fleets

- I-33 attacked (and missed) the main Air TF; he didn't see the carriers but he got a very good idea on the TF composition as you can see

- I-3 hit an xAK, some supply and some 2nd line troops destroyed

- diversion forces at Andaman sea (R class BBs) somehow got too excited and went chasing rabbits; the only thing they found were Japanese LBAs; thanks god these were not torpedo armed; limited bomb damage only

- Koepang at 80% damage [:D] Heavies mopped the flow; details in the next thread

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Submarine attack near Portland Roads at 94,132

Japanese Ships
SS I-3

Allied Ships
xAK Red Jacket, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

xAK Red Jacket is sighted by SS I-3
SS I-3 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Red Jacket

at least he didn't find the carriers; still he now knows the main fleet crossed Torres strait
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ASW attack near Horn Island at 88,128

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 3

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales
BB North Carolina
CA Salt Lake City
CA Pensacola
CLAA San Juan
CLAA San Diego
CLAA Atlanta
DD Craven
DD Patterson
DD Henley
DD Mugford
DD Helm
DD Lang
DD Wilson
DD Sterett
DD Maury

SS I-33 is sighted by escort
DD Lang fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Wilson fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sterett fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Maury attacking submerged sub ....
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Maury fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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Morning Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 44,67

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Inconstant

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 44,67

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 15
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, Bomb hits 3
BB Revenge

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb


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Morning Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 44,67

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 5
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Resolution

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 44,67

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Resolution

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Great Nicobar at 44,67

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 14
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Bomb hits 1
BB Resolution

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 4000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Darwin airbase is at level 8; will reach level 9 in a few days, maybe a week
this means that anything within 15 hexes of Darwin is at high risk of becoming a moon crater

up until last turn, I was only bombing with 2Es, and focus was on Saumlaki and Buna; I have now added Koepang and soon Ambon



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Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 2 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 23
Hudson III (LR) x 21
Hudson III (LR) x 18
B-17D Fortress x 6
B-17E Fortress x 105
LB-30 Liberator x 13
B-24D Liberator x 7
B-25C Mitchell x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 12 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 5 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 3 destroyed on ground
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 28
Airbase supply hits 18
Runway hits 129

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 54 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 6
B-17E Fortress x 8
LB-30 Liberator x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 14000.
Raid is overhead
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 6
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson III (LR): 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
Shokaku-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
64th Sentai Det with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 2 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 64 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
Kanoya Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koepang , at 68,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 10

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet *
5 x P-38E Lightning sweeping at 20000 feet *

and these are the air losses:

2 P-38E, 1 B-17D, 1 B-26, 4 Hudsons(LR)
vs
Koepang at 80% damage and several planes destroyed

Operation Alligator is the 1st Allied offensive of the war; it started a few days ago, on August 15.42
the name Alligator comes from the 1st objective identified, Kaimana. This base is still in Allied hands (was never invaded), and in the initial plan I was going to reinforce it with paratroops; to be then followed by engineers to build a base, etc. I dropped the idea, or better to say, I upgrade that idea to something bigger after realizing how quickly/ easily I lost Great Nicobar and Trinkar, once Japan decided to counter strike

So that was the original plan, but it was not the only option; as had been discussed, there were other possible targets; at the end of the day the main reason for choosing the eastern DEI was simply; overall base development or rather lack of it

Some other options:
Java: I didn't like the idea of going head on against multiple level 4 airbases, I am also not too confident on fighting Japanese IJA division at this point in the war

Pacific: I still lack the amphibious capability to properly invade island and atolls, besides an attack here won't impact Japan strategically

Burma/ Andaman: too close to LBAs, too close to well developed bases and easy for Japan to reinforce little gain

Sumatra: too far away from my bases, difficult to resupply, too close to Singapore

The key reason I chose the eastern DEI is lack of infrastructure. Once I finish closing all airbases within Darwin range (15 hexes), there is little he can do with LBAs; only long range attacks, and these tend to be uncoordinated/ easier to destroy
This lack of infrastructure also infers lack of proper defenses; I still have limited amphibious assault capabilities, hence it is important that the places to be invaded are not too well defended, I think I can handle naval guards, SNLFs and base forces, I won't expect to find deeply entrenched divisions on the places I plan to take

So his main counter is going to be either mini KB or surface fleets; coming from Truk and Singapore. Looking the 4 cardinal points: I own the south, there is land on the east, he can only come from the north or from the west, it won't be easy to surprise me as I plan to have CAT cover on those directions

a really bad day for the British!
the USN fleet on the other hand kept moving to their destination without issues

- BB Warspite sank [:(]
it was seriously damaged a few months ago in the Solomon Islands, it somehow managed to crawl back to Sydney for system repair (it is too big for the shipyard). Then it had to stop at Perth, as it had uncontrollable flooding.
A few days to repair, then went all the way to Diego Garcia, at 6knots! I set it for Diego Garcia because it simply refused to go directly to Capetown; kept turning back... cowards!
A few turns ago it finally managed to arrive to Diego Garcia for more emergency repairs
Last turn, after moving one hex on direction to Mombasa, it found SS I-27, who put 3 torpedoes on it and ended its story [:@]

- CV Formidable torpedoed [:@]
Formidable was acting as bait, part of the decoy fleet to draw forces away from the DEI, it had the additional task to show that the "British carriers" were near Ceylon (they aren't, only Formidable which is due to withdraw in 2 weeks).
Because he saw the carrier alone, he now knows or at least suspects that the other carriers are not in the Indian ocean [:@] They (Illustrious and Hermes) have joined their American cousins; I was hoping for a surprise
In the air phase, this TF found a ASW TF and sank two sub chaser [8|], but it also destroyed many Kates

- Silver Lining: the old, trash BBs Revenge and Resolution, acting as decoys on last turn, found 2 Japanese destroyers, they sank one, brand new Yugumo, which somehow was doing ASW near Great Nicobar (a waste really, there are many older, 2nd class destroyers that can be used instead)

- Submarines were on fire: lots of hits, but at the cost of severe damage; I think I-33 and RO-34 went down or at least are very damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Diego Garcia at 10,62

Japanese Ships
SS I-27

Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

BB Warspite is sighted by SS I-27
Magazine explodes on BB Warspite
SS I-27 launches 6 torpedoes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Great Nicobar at 44,67, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Revenge
BB Resolution, Shell hits 6
DD Encounter, Shell hits 1
DD Foxhound, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Inconstant


Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 32% moonlight: 10,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 7,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Encounter at 7,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Yugumo at 7,000 yards
DD Inconstant engages DD Hibiki at 7,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Foxhound at 7,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Hibiki at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 4,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Foxhound at 4,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages DD Encounter at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
DD Yugumo engages BB Resolution at 2,000 yards
DD Foxhound engages DD Yugumo at 2,000 yards
DD Inconstant engages DD Yugumo at 2,000 yards
Katagi R. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 4,000 yards
DD Yugumo sunk by BB Resolution at 4,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Foxhound at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Encounter at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Foxhound at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Hibiki at 8,000 yards
DD Foxhound engages DD Hibiki at 8,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Encounter at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 9,000 yards
DD Inconstant engages DD Hibiki at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 10,000 yards
DD Foxhound engages DD Hibiki at 10,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 10,000 yards
BB Revenge engages DD Hibiki at 10,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Hibiki at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Encounter engages DD Hibiki at 6,000 yards
DD Hibiki engages DD Foxhound at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
BB Resolution engages DD Hibiki at 12,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Horn Island at 92,127

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 5

Allied Ships
DD Lardner
DD Grayson
DD Lansdowne

SS I-24 is located by DD Lardner
I-24 bottoming out ....
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lardner attacking submerged sub ....
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Horn Island at 88,129

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
KV Vancouver
SC-519
KV Dawson

SS I-33 launches 2 torpedoes at KV Vancouver
I-33 bottoming out ....
KV Dawson attacking submerged sub ....
KV Vancouver fails to find sub and abandons search
KV Dawson fails to find sub, continues to search...
KV Dawson fails to find sub, continues to search...
KV Dawson fails to find sub, continues to search...
KV Dawson attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Sabang at 45,70

Japanese Ships
TB Hayabusa, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
E Manazuru
TB Hato

Allied Ships
SS KVIII

SS KVIII launches 2 torpedoes at TB Hayabusa
KVIII diving deep ....
TB Hato fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Hato fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Hato attacking submerged sub ....
TB Hato loses contact with SS KVIII
TB Hato cannot reach attack position over SS KVIII
TB Hato fails to find sub, continues to search...
TB Hato fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Trinkat at 40,64

Japanese Ships
SS RO-34, hits 10, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Valiant
CL Newcastle
CL Birmingham
CLAA Van Heemskerck
DD Arunta
DD Van Galen
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Norman

Ammo storage explosion on CV Formidable
SS RO-34 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Formidable
DD Van Galen attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Norman attacking submerged sub ....
DD Van Galen fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Tjerk Hiddes loses contact with SS RO-34
DD Norman attacking submerged sub ....
DD Van Galen fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Norman fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tjerk Hiddes attacking submerged sub ....
DD Norman fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tjerk Hiddes fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Trinkat at 40,64

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 5
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 27

Allied aircraft
Fulmar II x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M2 Nell: 2 damaged
G3M2 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CL Hobart
DD Thanet

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M2 Nell bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.800 Sqn FAA with Fulmar II (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Trinkat at 40,64

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 11

Allied aircraft
Fulmar II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
No.800 Sqn FAA with Fulmar II (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Trinkat at 40,64

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 3
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9

Allied aircraft
Fulmar II x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB Valiant

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.800 Sqn FAA with Fulmar II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 96 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sabang at 44,68

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 15
Fulmar II x 4

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 21, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
SC Ch 22, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC Ch 23

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Albacore I bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring SC Ch 22

Tomorrow the first phase of the first wave will hit the beaches
- Sorong
- Kaimana
- Babo
- Boela

I don't know if mini-KB will attempt to intercept; so far I have only seen submarines and a small tanker TF that was sent to the bottom

I can see a surface TF coming from Singapore, but it is still out of range, so not an immediate concern
And Ambon is a moon landscape, so nothing to worry from there




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Kofiau at 79,107

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PB Kamitsu Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
TK San Luis Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Rokko Maru #2, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Massive explosion on PB Kamitsu Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring TK San Luis Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring PB Rokko Maru #2

Today the enemy carriers arrived; I was kind of expecting it, but regrettably they strike from long range while I keep strikes at maximum Wildcat F3 range (7 hexes) so not great results for the Allies, but nothing yet to worry about

He was able to hit a loaded xAK and put bombs on some screening cruisers (list of damaged ships TBD)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Boela (80,110)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Griffin
DD Decoy
AMC Monowai

DD Griffin firing at 36th Const Co
DD Decoy firing at 36th Const Co


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Boela (80,110)

TF 109 troops unloading over beach at Boela, 80,110

Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

11 troops of a Aus Pioneer Sect 42 accidentally lost during unload of 2/2nd Pion Bn
11 troops of a Aus Inf Sect 42 lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Australian Bde /2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3a Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CA Northampton
DMS Lamberton
CL Perth
CA Exeter, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ellet

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 83,107

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 5
D3A1 Val x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Case
CL Trenton
DD Conyngham
CL Detroit

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Waigeo at 82,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL St. Louis
CL Honolulu, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Babo at 83,111

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Allen
xAK St Essylt, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
A6M3a Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 16 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Exeter
DMS Lamberton
CA Northampton, Bomb hits 2
CL Perth
CA Canberra
DMS Dorsey
DD Ellet

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
16 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 83,107

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Babo at 83,111

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
KV Quesnel
KV Chilliwack

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Sorong (82,107)

TF 76 troops unloading over beach at Sorong, 82,107

Allied ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 23 (0 destroyed, 23 disabled)
Vehicles lost 18 (0 destroyed, 18 disabled)

13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad lost in surf during unload of 32nd Infantry Div /2
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 32nd Infantry Div /5
13 troops of a USA 41 Rifle Squad accidentally lost during unload of 32nd Infantry Div /7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Babo (83,111)

TF 270 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 83,111

Allied ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

11 troops of a Aus Inf Sect 42 lost overboard during unload of 25th Australian Bde /2

Someone might ask, after looking at the combat reports, why Carrier support unable to supply air cover??

and my answer would be the same reason why I have this ring of cruisers surrounding the carriers; in the scenario of high chances of carrier vs carrier battles, anything is expendable, including those troops, as long as the carriers survive or as long as I give the carriers the greatest chances of survive, all is good [;)]

list of damaged ships:
xAK St Essylt will sink next turn

cruisers:

turn sent.. this is the plan for tomorrow



Carriers TFs are:

Halsey:
CVs Lexington, Wasp, Illustrious, Hermes,
BBs Prince of Wales, North Carolina
CAs Pensacola, Salt Lake City
CLAA: Atlanta, San Diego, San Juan
13 DDs

CVE:
CVE Long Island
5 DDs

+ 44 escorts between cruisers and destroyers

all set on to reach the same hex... although we know Halsey likes to react

And the battle started!
combat replay running

as expected, Halsey reacted and left Long Island and the cruisers TFs

the Japanese strike pack looks nasty
EDIT: it was not, only one bomb hit Lex; storage explosion, but the ship is OK (system 12, float 6, engine 5)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Manokwari at 86,105

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 46
A6M3a Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 63
D3A1 Val x 16

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 20
Martlet II x 18
F4F-4 Wildcat x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 10 destroyed, 23 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 9 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
Martlet II: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious
BB North Carolina
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Prince of Wales
CV Wasp
CVL Hermes

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
12 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 23 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CV Lexington

Then the good guys' turn

I am not too happy about the results (edit: result were good, don't be a whiner!)
there was a loss of cohesion that killed too many dive bombers; but overall a victory

ships at risk:
CVE Hosho is likely finished
CVL Zuiho bombed, "Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho" seen on the last strike
CVL Shoho torpedoed, heavy damage
CVL Ryujo torpedoed, heavy damage

survived:
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1
CVE Unyo and BB Kongo no damage




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 85,102

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
A6M3a Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 36
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33
TBF-1 Avenger x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CVE Unyo
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Kongo
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
12 x Albacore I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
11 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1/A with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Hosho-1/B with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Raid is overhead
Zuiho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1/B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1/B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
Hiyo-1/A with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

Fuel storage explosion on CVE Hosho
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hosho
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Hosho

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 85,102

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
A6M3a Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1/A with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Zuiho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Zuiho-1/B with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Shoho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Hiyo-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 66 minutes
Shoho-1/B with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 85,102

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 26 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
A6M3a Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 9 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CVL Shoho, heavy damage
CVL Zuiho, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Hosho-1/A with A6M3a Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
Zuiho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
Zuiho-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
Shoho-1/A with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Hiyo-1/A with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
Shoho-1/B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVL Zuiho

that was the carrier battle, but there were other stuff happening, like for example several strikes on the battleship TF

the battleships was sent to patrol the Ceram sea, it missed completely the enemy SCTF coming from Kendari, which almost reached an empty Sorong, as you can see from the map. This is a dangerous TF, as it is too close to the carriers


I sent the battleships knowing they were going to be harassed by LBAs, but I also knew there were no torpedoes, as places like Kendari and Ternate are underdeveloped... you can see they even used 60kg bombs, which typically means low supply... that was kind of my point about avoiding Java; at Java I would had faced a better prepared foe


what else happened:
- as said before, lots of air attacks against the BBs, minor damage
- Boela, Babo and Sorong captured; only Boela was contested, I killed 2 construction battalions
- amphibious assault TFs will withdraw, temporarily; until I deal with that gorilla TF

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Misool at 79,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
G4M1 Betty x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 13 damaged

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Misool at 79,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 1
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Misool at 79,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Idaho

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Manokwari at 86,105

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 4

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 9
Martlet II x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-71 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
25 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
No.880 Sqn FAA with Sea Hurricane Ib (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manokwari at 86,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 3
D3A1 Val x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VMF-112 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Misool at 79,108

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 8
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Misool at 79,108

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Idaho

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Gorong at 81,111

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AMC Westralia, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb


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

Ground combat at Sorong (82,107)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4178 troops, 240 guns, 57 vehicles, Assault Value = 228

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied adjusted assault: 99

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 99 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Sorong !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
32nd Infantry Division
49th Base Group
181st Field Artillery Battalion
1st Marine Defense Battalion
8th Marine Defense Battalion
22nd MAG


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

Ground combat at Boela (80,110)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3511 troops, 63 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 179

Defending force 466 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied adjusted assault: 46

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 46 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Boela !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
369 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
134th Cmbt Engineer Battalion
21st Australian Brigade
2/2nd Pioneer Battalion

Defending units:
36th Const Co
37th Const Co


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

36th Const Co Wiped Out at Boela by attrition!!!

37th Const Co Wiped Out at Boela by attrition!!!

I would be happy with that result.....and his strike was really weak, not sure why but I think you got as good a result as you could hope for in that exchange.

Not a knockout blow on Oil, but there is follow-up potential from that spot for sure. And you did grab 45 centers with that move, every bit helps

Yes, after digesting the combat results, I agree it was a good outcome, that said, this is day2 of an on-going battle, so nothing is concluded yet

EDIT: I think a key reason for his lack of result was the heavy AA barrages, lots of ships, lots of AA guns, including recently upgraded Lexington (which got 5inch mk38s) and that AA beast that is the PoW (at 2,300+ points)

If this result holds, in other words, if I don't lose a carrier, then it would be a great trade off, 2 maybe 3 less flattops for Japan means that by the time the next batch or carriers arrive (Sangamons), I would have significant superiority and he might be very hesitant in trying to counter invasions, unless everything else is in his favor,

I definitively want to follow up, rather sooner than later, there is potential for additional landings once this battle settles. Next target is in the Celebes + Ambon; from there I can move to Borneo or PH later on

Air losses: