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As long as you P-70s don't get shot down by your anti-aircraft fire. [8|]

P-70 is an easy plane to miss, because there are no night fighter squadrons arriving in 43, you have to find the one that upgrades to it (18th FG/ 6th FS)

I hope there won't be flak losses, because production is limited to only 2 months, you have enough planes for one squadron + some spares; then nothing, USAAF wise, until september 43

You used your ships in multiple TFs well and avoided the long lances, which could have reversed the results. Again one large TF falls victim to 3 or more smaller TFs, when the larger single TF runs out of ammo.

Given the fuel problems, and almost complete destruction of the Japanese CAs (which IMO are the core of the surface fleet for Japan), I don't see this game going much longer

Those attacks are almost like a death ride....except it's WAY early!

I don't think torpedoes would have reversed the results; it is unusual to get more than a few hits with torpedoes, so maybe I would had lost 1 or 2 cruisers, then the fact remained that he started the fight very low on ammo (due to bombardment) against 2 TFs that fought and another 2 that were very close.

Going forward he has lost so many ships that from now on, he has the dilemma of getting very few strong TFs or multiple puny ones. The Allies now have significant quantitative advantage, enough to negate the IJN's qualitative edge. His TFs will now need to be centered on battleships, with some support from cruisers and not enough "good" destroyers

In a couple of months, at the latest, I will have enough forces to start operations on other theaters, and then he will have nothing to counter


End game prediction: the game will end when the remaining IJN is crushed and not because of lack of fuel for heavy industry

Makassar bombing continued, but this turn I was puzzled by the strong CAP over the base. Notice Makassar was cratered and almost closed

A few minutes on the combat replay, I understood what was happened; he parked his carriers 2 hexes south of Makassar

As you can see from the air losses, Lightnings won over Zeroes... and this opens a window of opportunity for seeking battle



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Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 36

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1/A with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
Zuiho-1/B with A6M5 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Raid is overhead
Junyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Shoho-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
Junyo-1/B with A6M5 Zero (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 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 4 minutes
Hiyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 6 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(9 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
A6M3a Zero x 4
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 11

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

Allied aircraft losses
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M3a Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
251 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
77th Sentai Det B with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3a Zero x 3
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x P-38F Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *

CAP engaged:
201 Ku S-1 with A6M3a 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 20000 , scrambling fighters to 26000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 68 minutes
251 Ku S-1 with A6M2 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
77th Sentai Det B with Ki-43-IIb 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 20000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
Zuiho-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Junyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
Hiyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 12000.
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (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 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 85 minutes
Shoho-1/B with A6M5 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 to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
Junyo-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on Watampone , at 66,105

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on 637th Tank Destroyer Battalion, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on 93rd Chinese Corps, at 82,42 (Ankang)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 5000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 11
Hudson III (LR) x 24
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
11 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Mitchell II bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on Kendari , at 70,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort V x 11
B-26 Marauder x 28
B-26B Marauder x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 1 damaged

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

Runway hits 1
Port hits 5
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Beaufort V bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-26B Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 6000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



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Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 16

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 42
B-17F Fortress x 17
B-24D Liberator x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Junyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
Zuiho-1/A with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Raid is overhead
Shoho-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
Junyo-1/B with A6M5 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Raid is overhead
Hiyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 6

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 23
B-17F Fortress x 5
B-24D Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Junyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
Hiryu-1 with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 137 minutes
Zuiho-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
Junyo-1/B with A6M5 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
Hiyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on Sasebo 5th SNLF, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 8
B-24D Liberator x 8
B-25C Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 54th Division ...
Also attacking Sasebo 5th SNLF ...
Also attacking 54th Division ...
Also attacking Sasebo 5th SNLF ...


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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13
B-25C Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Junyo-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Zuiho-1/A with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Junyo-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on Kendari , at 70,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 2

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



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

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

CAP engaged:
Junyo-1/B with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes



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Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 7

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

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

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 6000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 7

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Makassar , at 65,106

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 3

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kendari , at 70,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 9

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 2 damaged

Port hits 1

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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kendari , at 70,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 8

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged

Port hits 3
Port supply hits 2

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



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Afternoon Air attack on 54th Division, at 65,105 , near Makassar

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 15

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-38F Lightning sweeping at 10000 feet *

Keep sweeping his carrier fighters, then a low level naval bombing. Do you have an airfield to move in attack bombers and torpedo planes? [:D]

Well it could have been another Tassafargona where an inferior IJN fleet of 8 DDs carrying supplies, thus half their torpedoes, was ambushed by an American cruiser TF but quickly turned the tables with long lances heavily damaging 3 cruisers and sinking a 4th. Your initial force was inferior to his especially the large number of long lances he had, it could have been far worse.

true, but Tassafaronga was a night time fight; he spent all night bombarding; while my TFs spent the night running full speed to Dili. I guesstimated that if there was going to be a battle, it was going to happen at daytime. Daytime means less chances of Japanese torpedo surprise attacks

Also in game is unusual to get torpedo hits on more than one or two warships, assuming SCTF vs SCTF

and at the end of the day, it is a chance you have to take, the Allies have numbers advantages, and even if the 1st TF got wipped out, I would still had won, as long as the battleships sank one or two heavy cruisers

I am the Japanese and I am in late July 43 and my long lances night or day have hardly ever hit this game. So I understand the risk and using 3+ TFs against his one with depleted ammo from a bombardment was another factor you exploited. A victory well planned and executed.

Problem is that long lances are normally shot at very long ranges, unless total surprise, a warship will easily dodge

So this is December 19th
I can send a "suicide" TF to try to intercept the enemy at Makassar, but I doubt it would survive the day as the enemy carriers will then destroy it

Or I can simply mind my own business and keep unloading at Dili, with my weaker carriers hugging Dili's airbase
Who knows, he might want to fight on my turf

Of course, the Long Lances are also being used against more agile ships than slow Battleships or merchantmen.

You will know soon enough, but my guess is he wants to reinforce and clear you out of the Celebes.

It will take a solid month or more before he can invade down by Timor. Prep and control of sea and air...can't believe he is pulling out, here, now.

My advice is to go offensively defensive. If that makes sense.

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

You will know soon enough, but my guess is he wants to reinforce and clear you out of the Celebes.

It will take a solid month or more before he can invade down by Timor. Prep and control of sea and air...can't believe he is pulling out, here, now.

My advice is to go offensively defensive. If that makes sense.

But it is raining fire on Makassar, he doesn't have a chance against pretty much all USAAF bombers parked at Manado. They are bombing and destroying supply on a daily basis, the hex terrain is "clear" and the airfield is already gone

His troops are running away, his only advantage is that I can't resupply, other than by submarine, until I get more carriers

If he has no fighter coverage, how about air transported supplies?

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If he has no fighter coverage, how about air transported supplies?

Yes, it is possible, but I prefer submarine express, a lot more supplies carried; it is a short trip from Darwin

plus this is still crappy torpedo season, I am not missing a lot
Dutch and S boats are doing submarine patrols, the fleet boats and SSTs runs supply (which is then destroyed by air attacks)

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

You will know soon enough, but my guess is he wants to reinforce and clear you out of the Celebes.

It will take a solid month or more before he can invade down by Timor. Prep and control of sea and air...can't believe he is pulling out, here, now.

My advice is to go offensively defensive. If that makes sense.

But it is raining fire on Makassar, he doesn't have a chance against pretty much all USAAF bombers parked at Manado. They are bombing and destroying supply on a daily basis, the hex terrain is "clear" and the airfield is already gone

His troops are running away, his only advantage is that I can't resupply, other than by submarine, until I get more carriers

Two AA Regiments can mean a big difference...

Retreating or regouping?

true, maybe he is unloading AA and supplies

I guess I will need to do some risky stuff

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

You will know soon enough, but my guess is he wants to reinforce and clear you out of the Celebes.

It will take a solid month or more before he can invade down by Timor. Prep and control of sea and air...can't believe he is pulling out, here, now.

My advice is to go offensively defensive. If that makes sense.

+1. Send Ching Lee and the CLs/DDs.

I did something different, a lot riskier as it involved the carriers... we will see very soon if it was a good play